SME 



HI 







Class _lLi jc_4^ii^ 
Book. _ U/? 9^ 



CopjiightN?.. 



CDPXRIGHT DEPOSffi 



Elements of 
Trench Warfare 

Waldron 



Elements of 
Trench Warfare 



Bayonet Training 

By 
Lieut. Colonel William H. Waldron 

29th U. S. Infantry 

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE INFANTRY AND 

CAVALRY SCHOOL, 1905 

GRADUATE ARMY STAFF COLLEGE, 1906 

GRADUATE ARMY WAR COLLEGE, 1911 

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ARMY WAR 

COLLEGE COURSE, 1911-12 

Author of 

" Scouting and Patrolling'* 

"Tactical Walks" 

PUBLISHED BY 

EDWIN N. APPLETON 

1 Broadway, New York 

1917 

Price 75 Cents, postage paid 



^ 

N 



**f» 



Copyright, 1917, by 
William H. Waldrox 



<\ 



First Edition, 5,000, March 1st, 1917. . 
Second Edition, 10,000, August 1st, 1917. 
Third Edition, 30,000, September 25th, 1917. 



PRESS OF ISAAC GOLDMA^N COMPANY, NEW YORK 



MAR | I I9|Q 
fi)CLA5126Sl 



NOTICE 

There is a wealth of material in this little book 
that will interest the soldier. From the illus- 
trations alone he' will be able to obtain a good 
general idea of the subject. 

It is essentially a soldier's book, written in 
language that he can understand. The price 
has been kept within the limits of his pocketbook. 

With a view to securing a wide distribution of 
the book I desire to secure a representative in 
every organization in the Army. I have an at- 
tractive proposition to make to competent parties. 

A letter will bring particulars. My address 
will be found in the Army List and Directory. 
If this is not available, a letter addressed as 
follows will be forwarded to me : 

Captain W. H. Waldron, 

29th Infantry, 

Care of "Infantry Journal," 

Washington, D. C. 

(Signed) W. H. Waldron. 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Chapter I. — The Organization of a Section of the 

Position 9 

Chapter II. — Obstacles. Construction, repair. _ Wire 
entanglements, barricades, land mines, inunda- 
tion 13 

Chapter III. — Lookout and Listening Posts: Types. 

Construction, service 27 

Chapter IV. — Field Trenches: Traversed trenches. 
Types of trenches. Drainage. Communication 
trenches. Dugouts. Penetration of projectiles. 
Communication. Trench mortar positions. Ma- 
chine guns. Supporting points 33 

Chapter V. — Use and Improvement of Natural Cover 60 
Chapter VI. — Revetments: Sandbags. Fascines. 

Hurdles. Gabions 74 

Chapter VII. — Working Parties: Details of organ- 
ization. Laying out tasks. Operations 90 

Chapter VIII. — Grenade Warfare : Organization and 
tactics of grenadiers. Offensive operations. 
Clearing fire trenches. Clearing communication 
trenches. Night operations. Grenade patrols. 
Notes on grenade warfare 97 

Chapter IX. — Gas Warfare: Methods of dissemina- 
tion of gas. Gas helmets, care and use of. 
Sprayers - 118 

Chapter X. — Service in the Trenches: Preparations 
for entering. Inspection of trenches. Tactical 
dispositions. Going into the trenches. Informa- 
tion routine. Observation field glasses. Snip- 
ers. What to fire at. Use of rifle grenades. 
Scouting and patrolling. Care of arms. Care of 
trenches. Latrines. Maps. Frost bite. The 
trench soldier's creed 128 

Chapter XL— The Attack in Trench Warfare 162 

BAYONET TRAINING 

Features of the Bayonet 175 

Method of Carrying out Bayonet Training and 
Hints to Instruction : 177 

6 



CONTENTS / 

BAYONET LESSONS Page 

Formation — Technique of Instruction 180 

Lesson No. 1 — 

Position of "Guard" 118 

" "Rest" 184 

" "High Port" 184 

" "Long Point" 184 

The "Withdrawal" After a Long Foint 189 

PROGRESSION 

Vulnerable Parts of the Body 190 

Lesson No. 2 — "The Parries" 192 

PRACTICE 194 

Lesson No. 3— "The Short Point" 193 

Lesson No. 4— "The Jab or Upward Point" 197 

METHOD OF INJURING AN OPPONENT 

Butt Strike I 200 

" II 200 

" III 200 

" IV 202 

Practice 202 

TACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET. . 203 

THE BAYONET ASSAULT 203 

METHOD OF CARRYING THE RIFLE WITH 

BAYONET FIXED 205 

TEAMWORK 206 

THE ADVANCE 206 

THE CHARGE 206 

ASSAULT PRACTICE 208 

FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 209 

ACCESSORIES 211 

TARGETS 215 

CONSTRUCTION OF GALLOWS 216 

" DUMMIES 217 

" "TURK'S HEAD" 218 

" PARRYING DUMMY 

TARGET 218 

DISCS ON TARGETS 218 

EXERCISES 

Exercise 1 221 

The Run 222 

Exercise 2 223 



INTRODUCTION 

This little book has been prepared with a 
view to placing before the soldier a store 
of information on the subject of Trench 
Warfare as it has been developed on the 
battle fronts of Europe, and giving him 
some idea of the nature of the service that 
he will be called upon to perform when the 
time arrives for him to do his "bit." 

The illustrations have been carefully pre- 
pared and arranged to the end that the sol- 
dier may gain a fair knowledge of the 
subject from them alone. The text is in- 
tended to to treat the subject in a purely 
elementary manner that the soldier may be 
able to understand. 

The size of the book is such that it may 
be conveniently carried in the pocket and 
referred to as occasion requires. The price 
has been kept down to the point where it is 
available to the soldier. 

If the book assists in his preparation for 
the front and, by reason of the knowledge 
that he has gained from it, helps to make 
him more efficient when he gets there, it 
will have served its purpose. 

The Author. 



Chapter I 

ORGANIZATION 

The normal organization of an intrenched 
position includes the following elements 
from front to rear: 

1. In front of the position and at a vari- 
able distance from the first line fire trench 
there is a line of wire entanglements. (See 
Obstacles, p. 13). 

2. Close up to the wire entanglements 
there is an intrenched post known as the 
"listening post," which is connected with 
the first line fire trench by a zigzag com- 
municating trench. (See Listening Posts, 
P. 27). 

3. Then comes the first line fire trench 
with attached machine-gun emplacements 
at convenient points. (See Fire Trench 
and Machine-Gun Emplacements, pp. 33 
and 54). 

4. The fire trench is so narrow that 
lateral communication along it is effected 
only with difficulty. In order to provide 
a passageway a communication or supervi- 
sion trench is provided a few yards in rear 
of the fire trench. Passageways lead from 

9 



10 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

this communication trench to the fire trench 
and to the dugouts located along it. 

5. At a variable distance in rear of the 
fire trench (100 to 200 yards) the emplace- 
ments for bomb-throwing apparatus and 
trench mortars are located. These are con- 
nected up laterally by a communication 
trench which joins with the main com- 
munication trench running from front to 
rear through the position. (See Emplace- 
ments for Trench Mortars, p. 51). 

6. From 100 to 400 yards to the rear of 
the first line fire trench, and generally par- 
allel to it, is the supporting trench or cover 
for the supports. This trench is invariably 
provided with strong overhead cover and a 
system of dugouts for the protection of the 
troops. (See Cover for Supports, p. 53). 

7. This whole arrangement of trenches 
is connected throughout from front to rear, 
and laterally, by a system of zigzag com- 
munication trenches. 

Take this brief description together with 
Plate 1, the drawing that accompanies this 
volume, and study the two until you get the 
entire system fixed firmly in your mind; 



Communicating 
trench 
L 



Supports 









^ 






<t 






<t 






Ui 


V 
•£ 




k 






> 


«o y 


• 


* 


« 8 J 


ctf 




V 


m 






•io 

<3 




>u x r 


"^ 




5 ^ 5 


0. 




5. *♦* ^ 

o <*i < 












f 




«c 
* S * 

5. •♦* > 






ORGANIZATION 11 

that is, until you get a mental picture of all 
the elements included in the system. 

After you have done this, study on 
through the book in order that you may 
know the purpose of each of these elements 
and how one links up with the other. 

This is the typical system now in use in 
the European war theaters. Circumstances 
at certain places may render some varia- 
tions necessary, and it must not be inferred 
that the trace of the works is the same 
throughout. As a rule the types of trenches 
(altered when necessary to meet local con- 
ditions) illustrated herein are the ones in 
actual use on the war fronts. 

All of these trenches and their accesso- 
ries constitute what is known as the first 
line. At a distance of from 2,000 to 5,000 
yards in rear of this first line a second line, 
organized in a similar manner, is to be 
found. 

At intervals of from 800 to 1,500 yards 
along the first line-centers of resistance, or 
what we know as "supporting points," are 
located. These consist of fortified villages, 
or a network (labyrinth) of trenches, pro- 
vided with every defensive device known 
to modern warfare. The object of these 



12 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

supporting points is to bring a flanking fire 
to bear on the intervals between them, with 
the idea that an attacking force cannot ad- 
vance beyond them without capturing 
them. 

Plate 2 shows the general scheme of the 
occupation of a sector of the line by a field 
army of two divisions. 



Chapter II 

OBSTACLES 

The element of the defensive line nearest 
the enemy is a line or series of lines of ob- 
stacles which are designed for the purpose 
of: 

1. Protecting the lines from surprise. 

2. Reducing the momentum of the at- 
tack, by breaking up the unity of action 
and cohesion. 

3. Holding the enemy under the effective 
fire of the defenders. 

The conditions that obstacles should ful- 
fil are as follows. They must — 

1. Be close to the defender's position. As 
a rule on the western front they are not 
more than from 50 to 100 yards distant. 
If they are too close it may be possible to 
throw hand grenades from the far edge of 
them into the defender's trenches. 

2. As far as practicable, be sheltered and 
screened from the enemy. Shell fire is the 
most effective method of destroying ob- 
stacles. If they are not concealed they may 
furnish aiming points for the enemy's fire 
against the first line fire trench by his be- 

13 



14 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



ing able to estimate its location with refer- 
ence to the obstacle. 

3. Afford no cover or screen to the enemy. 

4. Be so placed that the enemy will come 
upon them as a surprise. 

5. Be so constructed as to be difficult of 
removal under fire and impracticable to ne- 
gotiate while still reasonably intact. 

6. Be arranged so as not to interfere 
with a counter attack. The obstacles may 
have occasional gaps left in them which 
may be mined. 

The different classes of obstacles are: 
Abatis, low wire entanglements, high wire 
entanglements, barricades, mines, fougasses, 
crows feet, military pits with wire entangle- 
ments, inundations, etc. 




Plate 3. — Abatis. 



Abatis (pronounced abate e) consists of 
branches of trees lying parallel to each 
other, butts pointing to the rear, and the 



OBSTACLES 15 

branches interlaced with barbed wire. All 
leaves and small twigs should be removed 
and the stiff ends of branches pointed. The 
butts are staked or tied down or anchored 
by covering them with earth. When more 
than one row is used the branches overlap 
the butts of those in front so as to make 
the abatis about 5 feet high. An abatis 
formed by felling trees towards the enemy, 
leaving the butt hanging to the stump, is 
called slashing. 




Plate 4. — Slashing. 

Wire Entanglements 

Barbed wire is the material most em- 
ployed in the construction of obstacles. It 
may be used in the following manner : 

1. As a simple trip, for giving the alarm. 
It is stretched just above the ground and 
attached to some object that will cause a 
noise to be made if molested. 



16 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

2. A simple wire fence, to cause delay 
and confusion to the enemy in his advance. 

3. As an adjunct to tree and brushwood 
entanglement. 

4. As a wire entanglement. 

5. As a covering for portable cylinders. 
The advantages of the barbed- wire en- 
tanglement are: 

1. It is easily and quickly made. 

2. It is difficult to destroy. 

3. It is difficult to get through. 

4. It offers no obstruction to the view 
and fire of the defense. 

The low wire entanglement is constructed 
as follows : 

1. Drive stakes in the ground until they 
project about 18 inches. The stakes should 
be about 6 feet apart, those in each row be- 
ing opposite the intervals in adjacent rows. 

2. The wire is then' passed loosely from 
the head of one stake to another, wound 
around each and stapled. 

3. Where two or more wires cross they 
should be tied together. 

A more useful and efficient modification 
of the low wire entanglement is made by 
stapling the wire down the sides of the 



OBSTACLES 17 

stakes, allowing five or more feet of slack 
wire between stakes. Drive the stakes in 
the ground until the top is flush. This re- 
sults in a loose network of tangled wires 
difficult to get through, easily concealed and 
difficult to remove. 

The high wire entanglement is made by 
driving stakes so that they protrude from 
4 to 6 feet above the ground. They are 
placed at irregular intervals 5 to 8 feet 
apart. The head of each stake is connected 
with the foot of adjoining stakes with the 
wire loosely drawn, wound around the 
stakes and stapled fast. Each center post 
should be stayed by four wires. There 
should be a trip wire about 9 inches from 
the ground all the way across the front and 
another about a foot from the top of the 
center posts. Barbed wire may then be 
hung in festoons throughout the entangle- 
ment, with no fixed pattern. To increase 
the entanglement wire may be stapled to 
the foot of the posts, as indicated in the 
paragraph above, before they are driven. 
Large nails should be driven in the tops of 
the posts with half their length protruding. 
A number of the wires in the entanglement 
should be fastened together where they 



18 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



cross. The wire should be passed through 
paint, if practicable, to take away the bright 
color. The post should be painted the color 




Pxate 4a. — Plan of wire entanglement. 




Plate 5. — High wire entanglement. 

of the surrounding country. Under the con- 
ditions encountered on the western front 
this work has to be done hastily. It is best, 



OBSTACLES 19 

therefore, to limit the first stage of con- 
struction to just so many strands as will 
form a nucleus for the whole entanglement, 
in order that the area may be covered by 
an obstacle before interruption occurs. 

Tight wires help the enemy's advance by 
forming supports for hurdles. It must be 
constantly borne in mind that the wires 
must not be stretched taut. 

A portable wire entanglement is con- 
structed by stretching wire loosely around 
a wooden framework, either circular or 
square or made on a knife rest, and rolling 
it into position to close up gaps that may 
have been made in the entanglement. The 
illustration shows the wooden framework. 



To Alarm 




w»m/r?n///wwmy/w;}v/w//;myv///?w 



!• ii 

ii < i 

1 1 1 1 

ii i • 

*/ \}_ 

Plate 5 a. — Alarm trap. 



20 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 




Plate 6. — Portable entanglement. Constructed in the 
trenches and rolled into position. 

The ordinary repairs to entanglements 
are made under cover of darkness by work- 
ing parties detailed for the purpose. Iron 
posts that can be quickly placed in position 
are advantageous, their disadvantage being 
that they may retard bullets that would go 
through the ordinary wooden posts, thus 
furnishing just that much cover and pro- 
tection to attacking parties. 

In the construction' and repair of en- 
tanglements care must be taken to see that 
they are firmly fastened into the ground 
with numerous stay posts or "deadmen." 
This is to prevent the enemy from pulling 
them to pieces with grappling hooks con- 
nected to ropes that lead to his trenches 
and are attached to powerful windlasses or 
capstans. 



OBSTACLES 



21 



Barricades 

Barricades are employed for the defense 
of streets, roads, bridges, etc. They may 
be made out of any available material -such 
as furniture, vehicles (overturned or with 
wheels removed), carts filled with stones, 
bales of goods, etc. 

Where trees grow along the roadside they 
may be felled across the road. If neces- 
sary, barbed wire may be run through the 
branches to make the passage more difficult. 




^ aSS ^Smmm/ 




Plate 7. — Plan of barricade 
for blocking a road. 



22 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

Barricades should not as a rule close the 
road entirely to traffic. Passages are re- 
quired to allow the defenders to pass 
through when it is necessary to do so. 
Hence they should be made in two parts, 
one overlapping the other, as shown in the 
illustration. 

A fougass is a mine so arranged that 
upon explosion a large mass of stones is 
projected against the enemy. An excava- 
tion is made in the shape of a frustrom of 
a cone, inclining the axis in the direction of 
the enemy so as to make an angle with the 
horizon of about 45 degrees. The sides 
splay outward slightly. A box of powder 
is placed in a recess at the bottom. This is 
covered with a platform of wood several 
inches thick, on which the stones are piled. 

The fuse is placed in a groove cut at the 
back of the excavation, or the mine may be 
exploded by means of electricity. 

The line of least resistance for the charge 
must be arranged so that the powder will 
act in the direction of the axis and not ver- 
tically. This is accomplished by throwing 
the excavated earth on the crest towards 
the defender's side and ramming it well. 

To ascertain the powder charge for any 



OBSTACLES 



23 



fougass, divide the number of pounds of 
stone in the charge by 150. This gives the 
number of pounds of powder in the powder 
charge. Thus a fougass charged with about 
70 pounds of powder will throw about 5 
tons of stone over a surface about 160 yards 
long and 120 yards wide. 




Plate 8. — Fougass. 




Plate 9. — Vertical fougass. 



24 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

When broken up a cubic foot of stone 
weighs about 100 pounds. 

A vertical type of fougass is also shown. 
A charge of 25 pounds of powder should 
scatter a cubic yard of stones over an area 
about 200 by 100 yards. 

Small Land Mines 

Land mines are placed in the line of the 
advance of the enemy and exploded either 
by electricity or fuse from the defense. 
They are made by digging holes from 2 
to 3 yards deep, either by excavation or by 
boring. In the former case the charge is 
placed in a recess which extends into the 
solid earth at the side of the hole, which 
is then refilled and tamped. In the latter 
case the charge is placed in the bottom of 
the hole, which ir then refilled and solidly 
tamped. In common earth the powder 
charge for a 2-yard hole is 25 pounds. 
That for a 3-yard hole is 80 pounds. The 
diameter of the crater formed will be about 
twice the depth of the charge. 

The mines may be arranged in one or 
more rows. The intervals between mines 
should be such that the craters will nearly 
but not quite join. The position of the 



OBSTACLES 



25 



mines should be concealed as much as pos- 
sible and further sophisticated by disturbing 
the ground slightly at points where there 
are no mines and so situated as to suggest 
a systematic arrangement. 



« — 3'0--> 

ww/*w/« . . — 




Plate 9a. — Land mine. 
F, Line from powder charge to battery. 
P, Powder charge. 

Inundation 

Backing up the water of a stream so that 
it overflows a considerable area forms a 
good obstacle, even though of fordable 
depth. If shallow, the difficulty of fording 
may be increased by irregular holes or 
ditches dug before the water comes up, or 
by constructing wire entanglements in the 
water. It may be employed with advantage 



26 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



when the drainage of a considerable area 
passes through a restricted opening, as a 
natural gorge, culvert or bridge. 

Open cribs filled with stones, or tighter 
ones filled with gravel, may form the basis 
of the obstruction to the flow of the water. 
The usual method of tightening spaces or 
cracks between cribs is by throwing in 
earth or alternate layers of straw, hay, 
grass, earth, or sacks of clay. A continu- 
ous construction, as shown in the illustra- 
tion, may be employed. The ends of the 
dam must be carried well into the solid 
earth to prevent the water from cutting 
around them. This type of dam is easily 
destroyed by artillery fire, and cannot be 
depended upon. 




Plate 10. — Dam construction. 



Chapter III 

LOOKOUT AND LISTENING POSTS 

Except when the garrison are actually re- 
quired to man the parapet, they will be kept 
under cover, with the exception of a few 
lookouts, whose duty it is to give timely 
warning of the movements of the enemy. 

When the opposing forces are in close 
proximity to each other mining operations 
are generally resorted to by both sides to 
compass the destruction of the opposing 
works and open the way for an attack. 

Lookout and listening posts serve the 
double purpose of having a few men at the 
most advantageous places for observation 
at the front and flanks and providing points 
at some distance to the front of the first 
line fire trenches from which listeners may 
be able to discover the location and direc- 
tion of enemy mining operations before 
they really menace the fire trench. 

In the normal case there will be some 
natural cover available. Such, however, is 
not always the case, and specially con- 
structed observation stations have to be pro- 
vided. 

The posts should be placed in advance of 
27 



28 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

the first line trench, the distance depending 
upon circumstances which have to be de- 
termined in each particular instance. They 
must be fully protected from reverse -fire so 
that there will be no chance of the observer 
masking the fire of his comrades manning 
the fire trench. 

Unless the ground is very favorable it will 
be found difficult to provide for observa- 
tion above ground. Where there are natural 
features such as embankments, mounds, 
hedgerows, ruins of buildings, etc., it may 
be possible to make provision for observa- 
tion even by day. 

Where a loophole is used, the type having 
the narrower end outward should be pro- 
vided. 

In the open type of post the observation 
directly to the front rnay be greatly facili- 
tated by the use of the periscope. (Plate 

11.) 

A good, strong parapet thrown up and 
chopped off at the corners will enable the 
observer to cover areas from an oblique di- 
rection from the post and protect him from 
fire from the front. 

In the covered type the observer is pro- 



LOOKOUT AND LISTENING POSTS 29 

vided loopholes having the splay towards 
him. These may also be constructed to the 
oblique rather than to the front. When this 
is done, provision must be made to cover 
the entire front of the position from the 
several posts. (Plate 12.) 

The post may be connected with the first 
line fire trench by a narrow zigzag trench 
or by an underground passage. If the for- 
mer, it must be thoroughly concealed and 
have no excavated earth visible. If it can 
be located along a hedge or some other 
natural feature its location may remain un- 
known to the enemy for a considerable 
length of time. Where a communication 
gallery is constructed the roof and walls 
must be suitably shored up by casing and 
supports. 

The sentinel in the listening post carries 
no accouterments. It has been found that 
the creaking noise made by equipment when 
the sentinel moves has been taken for min- 
ing operations of the enemy by his com- 
rades. 

Listening galleries should never be left 
without a sentinel. There should be a 
depot of arms and hand grenades near the 
entrance to the gallery in case men are at- 







"~ *W/?/M>'>'MWMM. 



Plate 11. — Open type of listening post. 




< 3 '7 



Plate 12. — Covered type of listening post. 




Xi'*s -iy> 



Plate 13. — A listening and observation post. 



32 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

tacked while on duty from either above or 
below ground. 

Listening will be conducted at specified 
times, or on some prearranged signal, and 
for a definite period. During this time all 
within the listening area, including the 
trenches, must remain absolutely motion- 
less. 

Infantry manning a trench can assist lis- 
tening by digging a small pit, 6 feet deep 
below the trench, and running a bore-hole 
out 20 feet or more. 

The enemy is always listening for indi- 
cations of the direction and position of gal- 
lery heads. Work must therefore be car- 
ried on with a minimum of noise. Shouting 
down the shafts of galleries is absolutely 
forbidden. 

When the mining operations of the enemy 
are detected a report should be made at 
once to the officer in charge of that section 
of the trench. 



Chapter IV 

FIELD TRENCHES 

The next element of the defensive posi- 
tion is the first line fire trenches. These are 
located so as to have a good field of fire to 
the front for several hundred yards and so 
constructed as to give the greatest cover 
and protection from the fire of the enemy. 

An unbroken, continuous trench would 
be exposed to enfilade fire. A shell, shrap- 
nel or grenade bursting therein would have 
widespread effect. To overcome these ele- 
ments the trench is constructed in short 
lengths, with traverses between them, and 
technically known as the traverse type. 

Better defilade is thus secured and the 
material effect of any burst is confined to 
narrow limits. 

The trench interval between the traverses 
is known as the "bay," which should not 
ordinarily be longer than 18 feet. Longer 
bays invite heavy casualties in case the 
trench is enfiladed or a high explosive shell 
finds its mark. 

The illustration, Plate 14, shows a trace 
of the traversed type of fire trench. 

33 




o ** 

a. a 



4> C u 

«*- O.^* 
QJ..- 

« « S 

in «.; 

aj w o 
> > rt 
rt CTJ Ih 

° O rt 

>- bo.- 

"' o* 

<u 



OK 



Tj-LO CD 

cd 



. V CD 

CD <*-. 

" CO li 

rt 2 rt 



bo- bo 



FIELD TRENCHES 



35 



Type of Trench 

Formerly, protection from the enemy's 
fire was obtained by thickness of parapet. 
In the trench warfare of today it is obtained 
by completely concealing the riflemen in a 
deep, narrow trench with a very low para- 
pet. 

The height over which the average man 
can fire is about 5 feet or about five-sixths 
of his own height. This factor determines 
the height of the parapet above the firing 
banquet of the trench or the height of bot- 
tom of loophole above the same point, when 
the latter is employed. 




WWM/JM p- % M m V) 



Plate IS. — Simple standing trench. 1. Width at top, 

3 feet 4 inches. 2. Width at bottom, over all, 2 feet 
8 inches. 3. Width of firing banquet, 1 foot 4 inches. 

4. Height of parapet above firing banquet, 5 feet. 

5. Height of parapet above bottom of trench, 6 feet 

4 inches. 



FIELD TRENCHES 37 

The type of trench in general use today 
is the simple standing trench shown in 
Plate 15. 

Drainage 

If a trench is to be occupied for any 
length of time, especially if much ground 
or falling water is to be encountered, drain- 
age becomes of prime importance. Many 
years ago a celebrated military authority 
asserted that "nothing so saps the courage 
of a soldier as to wet the seat of his 
breeches." This may be accepted as a true 
maxim, especially in cold weather. The 
trench should therefore be made as dry as 
possible. The floor of the trench should be 
given a sufficient slope to the rear where 
an intercepting drain should carry the water 
to prepared sumps or to a point from which 
it can be disposed of by drainage. Provi- 
sion should also be made to exclude surface 
drainage from the trenches. 

A scheme for trench drainage is shown in 
the illustrations (Plates 16, 17 and 18). 

Overhead cover may be provided as 
shown in Plates 19 and 20. 

Loopholes are made wherever head cover 
is provided. Where the enemy's trenches 




Plate 16. — Method of draining trench. 




Plate 17. — Details of 
trench drainage. 




Plate 18. — Detail of 
trench drainage. 




Plate 19. — Overhead cover. 



£nemy 




Plate 19a. — Overhead cover. 




Plate 20. — Overhead cover. 




Plate 20a. — Overhead cover. 



FIELD TRENCHES 41 

are close, there is considerable danger in 
using them. Collective firing takes place 
over the parapet. When loopholes are used 
they should face half-right or half-left and 
not directly to the front. 

The disadvantages of loopholes are : 

1. The difficulty of concealing firing 
points. Loopholes give the enemy's snipers 
an easy mark. 

2. They lessen the number of rifles that 
can be used at a given point. 

3. The necessary head cover makes it 
difficult to get out of the trench quickly. 

4. Damaged head cover often spoils a 
good firing point. 

The three types of loopholes are : 

1. Narrowest point of the opening near- 
est the marksman. This type is most diffi- 
cult to conceal, much of the parapet thick- 
ness is cut away and, if of hard material, 
tends to deflect the bullets into the firer's 
face. This defect may be remedied some- 
what by stepping the surface of the loop- 
hole. 

2. Narrowest point to the front. Easiest 
to conceal but gives a limited field of view. 

3. Narrowest point midway between the 



42 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



front and rear. A compromise between the 
first two types. 

The following general remarks on the 
construction of loopholes are taken from a 
work based upon the experience gained dur- 
ing the war in Europe: 

1. The angle of splay is usually 60 de- 
grees. The thicker the parapet the smaller 
must be the angle of splay. 

2. The marksman holds his rifle in a line 



Throat 

1 VTTffltf 




Plate 21. — Types' of loopholes. 




X ! I 

'".„.,.!...,.' ,-j -.,., 

iinuniiuliniitm>:« ,J,^,. ■■■» 



./ill ) 









Plate 22. — Methods of constructing loopholes 
with sandbags. 



44 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

connecting the right shoulder, the eye and 
the object, hence most of the body lies to the 
left of the rifle. The loophole should be 
made to the right, with a niche in the wall 
of the parapet from the hip to the armpit, 
to bring the left shoulder well forward. It 
will be found that this permits the right 
elbow to be placed on the edge of the para- 
pet. 

3. Box loopholes with screens or blindage 
may be used, but should be placed by a 
skilled marksman. The great disadvantage 
is that the enemy notes these parapet altera- 
tions. Steel loophole plates are now pro- 
vided for this type of loophole. As the Ger- 
mans sometimes use a steel bullet with great 
penetrating power, it is advisable to place 
two plates together to insure protection. 

4. With every precaution that may be 
taken it is difficult to conceal a loophole. 
A good plan is to deceive the enemy by 
using painted sandbags and preparing plenty 
of dummy loopholes. 

5. The minimum width of loopholes 
should be 2y 2 inches. If narrower than 
this, it is impossible to use both eyes to 
judge distances correctly. 

6. The parapet should be so sloped that 



FIELD TRENCHES 



45 



there is a maximum grazing fire when the 
rifle is fired as it lies on the parapet. 

To insure that the bullet will not graze 
the parapet, although the sights are clear, 
look through the barrel with the bolt re- 
moved. 

Communication Trench 

In the first line fire trenches there are so 
many crooks and turns and the trench itself 
is so narrow that passage along the same is 
very difficult. To provide for this lateral 
communication a trench known as the com- 
munication or supervision trench is dug. It 
runs generally parallel to and a short dis- 




Plate 23. — Type of communication trench. 



46 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

tance in rear of the fire trench and is con- 
nected therewith by zigzag approaches. The 
factor that determines the distance between 
the fire trench and the "communication 
trench is that it should be at such a dis- 
tance that a shell bursting in one of the bays 
would not destroy the communication 
trench. 

The location of the communication trench 
with respect to the fire trench and the ar- 
rangements of the approaches is shown in 
detail in Plate 1. 

The profile of the ordinary communica- 
tion trench is shown in Plate 23. 

Dugouts 
During the artillery bombardment few 
men are left in the fire trenches. The re- 
mainder of the garrison is held under cover 
a short distance to the rear. This cover is 
provided by a system of dugouts connected 
with the fire trench through underground 
passageways that lead to the communica- 
tion trench. This arrangement is shown in 
Plate 1. 

A profile of the latest type of dugout is 
shown in Plate 24. 

The solid earth cover is from 12 to 18 feet 



48 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

thick, which gives protection from all but 
the very largest caliber shells. 

Effective resistance is supplied by roofing 
materials as follows : 

1. From shrapnel bullets: 2-inch planks 
covered with 12 inches of earth. 

2. From 3-inch shells : 4-inch planks sup- 
porting 4 feet of earth with a top layer of 
heavy stones to cause an early shell burst. 

3. From howitzers of less than 6 inches 
caliber: 12-inch beams or logs covered with 
8 feet of earth. 

4. From the largest caliber guns: 15 to 
25 feet of earth. 

The following table shows the penetra- 
tion of the German S bullet at a range of 
200 yards: Inches 

Steel plate }i 

Broken stone 6 

Brickwork, cement and mortar 9 

Brickwork, lime and mortar 14 

Sandbags 24 

Sand, loose 30 

Hardwood, oak, etc 38 

Earth 50 

Soft wood, poplar, etc 58 

Clay 60 

Dry turf 80 



FIELD TRENCHES 



49 



In addition to the regular "dugouts" for 
the supports, the latest type trenches have 
squad dugouts just in rear of the bays of 
the fire trench. These provide shelter dur- 
ing bombardment for the members of the 
squad not actually required on duty in the 
trench bay. 




Plate 24a. — Section of traversed type of fire trench 
showing entrance to squad dugout. 

CO M M U N I C ATION S 

The fire trench is connected with the 
cover for supports by a system of zigzag 
trenches having the profile shown in Plate 
23. The arrangement is shown in Plate 1. 




Ph 



w 

H 



FIELD TRENCHES 



51 



Trench Mortar Positions 
Somewhere between the first line fire 
trench and the cover for the supports is a 
line of emplacements for the trench mor- 
tars. Plate 25 shows a profile of the em- 
placement. 

The arrangement of the position is shown 
in Plate 1. 

These trench mortars are used to hurl 
charges of high explosives varying from 
25 to 100 pounds into the enemy's lines. 




Plate 25a. — Trench mortar. 




Plate 25b. — Improvised catapult. 



FIELD TRENCHES 53 

They have a range of from 300 to 1,800 
yards. 

Cover for Supports 

At a variable distance to the rear of the 
first line fire trench is located the cover fi >r 
supports, which is organized much in the 
same manner as the first line system of 
trenches and affords a second position in 
the system to fall back to in case of neces- 
sity. These trenches are provided with 
overhead cover and numerous dugouts for 
the protection of the men. 

Machine Guns 

At every available place throughout the 
defensive position machine guns are located, 
typical positions of which are shown in 
Plate 1. 

The typical types of cover are shown in 
Plates 26 and 27. 

Machine guns are a very potent factor in 
trench warfare. They are now being em- 
ployed to a far greater extent than ever 
before, and the number is increasing on all 
the battle fronts as fast as they can be 
manufactured. The machine-gun positions 
are carefully concealed from the enemy, 



FIELD TRENCHES 



55 




SecfTotx A B 



♦ ©^©(♦f) 




Plate 27. — Type of cover for machine guns. 

and fire is not opened until it is certain that 
it will be effective. 

The selection of the sites for the em- 
placements should be made with a view to 
bringing a powerful enfilade or oblique fire 
on the attacking enemy at effective range, 



56 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

to provide a flanking fire for supporting 
troops, and to sweep gaps in the line of 
obstacles. 

Their fire should come as a surprise to 
the attacking party. 

In the construction of cover for machine 
guns the following points should be ob- 
served : 

1. They must have a platform for the 
gun and gunner. This may be provided for 
in the construction of the emplacement or 
built up with sandbags. The platform 
should be 3 feet wide and 6y 2 feet in length. 

2. If head cover is provided, it should 
not differ in appearance from that con- 
structed elsewhere in the trenches. The 
loopholes must be blinded with gunny sacks. 

3. The front of the emplacement should 
be cut under to receive the leg of the tripod, 
thus bringing the gun up closer to the par- 
apet and furnishing more cover for the 
gunner. 

4. Splinter-proof shelters should be pro- 
vided near at hand for the members of the 
gun detachment. 

5. Where the enemy's trenches are near, 
the position for the emplacement should be 



FIELD TRENCHES 57 

selected by day and the actual work done 
under cover of darkness. 

6. The guns should be located so that 
they support each other by their fire. Alter- 
nate positions should be constructed. 

7. When located to enfilade straight lines 
of trenches, special capioniers should be 
constructed. 

Supporting Points 
At intervals from 800 to 1 ,500 yards along 
the first line, supporting points are estab- 
lished. They may consist of a fortified 
village or a specially prepared position hav- 
ing a "labyrinth" of trenches and rendered 
well-nigh impregnable to infantry assault 
by every defensive device known to modern 
warfare. They are designed to bring a 
flanking fire to bear upon the intervening 
intervals with the idea that troops cannot 
pass beyond them until they are reduced. 

Village Defense 

The following was the actual scheme em- 
ployed for the defense of a French village^ 
and exemplifies the thoroughness with 
which defenses must be organized. 

The village was about 700 yards in rear 



58 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

of the front line, and had three keeps sur- 
rounded with wire entanglements and in- 
dependent of each other, but with an elab- 
orate system of communication trenches. 
Water and four days' rations were stored 
in each keep, and wells dug. Each of the 
keeps held about one company. The com- 
munication trenches were about 6 feet 
deep, used as far as possible as fire 
trenches, and well traversed. Firing plat- 
forms were revetted with brushwood, and 
shelters made all over the village. In ad- 
dition to keeps, a series of lines existed in 
the rear of the front line, intercommuni- 
cating and provided with barbed wire. A 
small wood on one point of the front was 
defended by a network of low wire en- 
tanglements and a line of high wire netting. 

Every officer had to know all about his 
section and its communications with right 
and left. Telephone wires were laid low 
down in communication trenches and fas- 
tened a few inches from ground with 
wooden pickets. 

Machine guns were placed so as to flank 
salients. A 65-mm. field gun was placed 
in the front line to sweep the village, and 
an observation station- placed in a tree. 



FIELD TRENCHES 59 

The observer wore a green mask and green 
sheet. 

Great use was made of brushwood and 
undergrowth to revet steps of firing plat- 
form. 

All work was carried out by regimental 
officers and men without help from the 
engineers, who were fully employed in 
mining. The garrison of the village and 
the front line trenches in the vicinity was 
about one battalion, but the fire trenches 
were sufficient for three battalions. 



Chapter V 

USE AND IMPROVEMENT OF 
NATURAL COVER 

A. screen or mask consists of hedges, 
crops, underbrush, etc., which hide the 
rifleman without, however, protecting him 
from fire. 

Cover or shelter consists of walls, earth- 
works, etc., which protect the rifleman 
from fire. 

On the battlefield, natural features that 
screen and shelter should be utilized as 
much as possible, as they possess the fol- 
lowing advantages over artificial works : 

(a) Their organization demands less 
work. 

(b) Concealment is easier. 

(c) From their nature, it is difficult for 
the enemy to estimate, for a given length, 
the number of men sheltered. 

They possess, however, certain disadvan- 
tages : 

(a) The protection is sometimes so ex- 
cellent that, morally as well as materially, 
it becomes difficult to leave the shelter. 



« * This chapter reprinted from Infantry Journal. 

60. 



USE OF NATURAL COVER 61 

Example : quarries with obstructed exits. 
Therefore, good judgment must be exer- 
cised in the selection. 

(b) Some of them are too visible. Ex- 
ample : large hedges. In this case their 
range can be easily found. 

As a general rule, do not occupy them 
uniformly and do not change the appear- 
ance of the organized parts. 

Organization of the cover: 

To organize the cover which protects 
troops from fire, construct suitable posi- 
tions for firing and resting. To utilize the 
screens which merely hide the troops with- 
out protecting them from fire, dig trenches 
behind these screens in the following man- 
ner : 

(a) Choose the points which give the 
best field of fire. 

(b) Construct cover for firing. 

(c) Construct a shelter. 

The constructions are usually "indivi- 
dual" in the first period of work; after- 
wards, they are organized "collectively." 
The covers are : ( 1 ) for riflemen lying 
down, (2) for riflemen sitting down, and 
(3) for riflemen standing up. 



62 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 




Plate 27a. — Use of the cover without improvement. 




Plate 27b. — First period. 




•.*•(♦!•> 



"••• o. 00 fl 

(2'8> 

Plate 27c. — Second period. 
Progressive improvement of the cover. 

Individual Organization of Natural 
Cover 

Examples of hasty individual cover be- 
hind trees, bushes, or branches : 

(a) Fallen tree (logs or branches), the 



USE OF NATURAL COVER 



63 




Plate 27d. — First period. 




Plate 27e. — Second period. 




•»!•<♦ »'* 



Plate 2 7f.— Third period. 

height of which is at a maximum of 1 foot 
above the ground : 

(b) Fallen tree, the top of which is 
more than 1 foot above the ground. 

Wood which does not afford sufficient 



64 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

protection against bullets must be rein- 
forced by earth at the right and against the 
cover 1 foot behind. Plates 27d, 27e, and 
27f show the progressive improvement of 
the cover. 



Plate 27g. — Sharp ridges, furrows, or top of a crest at 
the end of a gentle slope. 

Examples of hasty individual covers be- 
hind a furrow, a crest, a heap of sand or 
earth : 

Dig the ground as near as possible to 
crest A of the furrow in the manner indi- 
cated for the cover installed behind a fallen 
tree more than 1 foot high. 



k. <nV» 



Plate 27h. — Narrow furrows. 

Use the earth excavated between fur- 
rows A and B to build up the earth be- 
tween furrows B and C and fill up furrow 
C ; continue afterwards as for the sharp 
ridge. 



USE OF NATURAL COVER 



65 








Plate 27i. — Low wall of earth, or earth and sand heaps, 
more than 2 feet high (two methods, A or B). 

{A) Lower the height about 8 inches; 
throw the earth forward. Dig a trench as 
indicated in the figure. 

(B) Make a loophole in the pile of 
earth, showing oneself as little as possible. 
Improve the firing position by making a 
place for the right leg and an elbow rest. 



66 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



Examples of hasty shelters (individual) 
arranged behind a large stone or heap of 
stones. 

A heap of stones, the top of which is 
1 foot at a maximum above the ground : 




Plate 27]. — First period. 




Plate 27k. — Second period. 

General Organization of Natural 
Cover 

This consists in connecting up and co- 
ordinating the individual work under the 
direction of the squad commander. The 
work should be carried out on the lines 
adopted for the individual work and the 
rules prescribed for the construction of ar- 



USE OF NATURAL COVER 



67 



tificial cover (profiles, depths, various shel- 
ters) should be followed as far as possible. 
In arranging the cover, the squads should 
utilize the natural features of the terrain. 




Plate 27 1. — Arrangement for a mound of earth. 




Plate 27m. — Arrangement for a dry ditch. 




Plate 27n. — Arrangement for a sunken road defended on 
the side towards the enemy. 



68 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 







Plate 27o. — Arrangement for a sunken road defended 
from the rear. 



Ditches full of water, drains, streams : 




Plate 27p. — Arrangement of a large ditch. 







— yk . Cv 


/v"v.\fe| 0,00 




. » VV-37 



Plate 27q. — Arrangement pf a ditch full of water. 



USE OF NATURAL COVER 



69 



Ordinary roads, road and railroad em- 
bankments, and sunken roads : 




Plate 27r. — Arrangement of an ordinary road defended 
on the side toward the enemy. 




o,*o 



Plate 27s. — Same defended from the rear. 



2,20(65") 




Plate 27t. — Road embankment, defended from the rear. 



70 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



+ «,So(+S) 






Plate 27u. — Arrangement of a railroad embankment. 




!<o,ao>l 



-«,9©f-3') 



(re") 

Plate 27v. — Arrangement of a sunken road. 

Hedges and woods : 

Dig a trench behind the hedge and throw 
the earth against it; make openings in the 
hedge to facilitate view and fire (Plate 



USE OF NATURAL COVER 



71 



27w). If the hedge is low, deepen the 
trench, but make the parapet lower than 
the hedge which masks it. 




Plate 27w. — Arrangement of a hedge. 




•■*' Jv5bfs£ -- • 

Plate 27x. — Arrangement of the edge of a wood. 

Avoid destroying the natural appearance 
of the wood ; do not cut the trees and brush 
on a certain depth, but cut off branches 



72 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



where necessary to obtain a field of fire. 
Behind this strip cut the brush and small 
trees so as to make a path 3 to 4 yards 
wide. Construct a trench behind the mask 
of trees. The parapet can be raised up to 
2 or even 3 feet. Construct abatis on the 
parts of the border of the wood, where it 
will not interefe with the fire. 
Walls : 



0,00 




Plate 27y. — Arrangement of a wall 2 feet 8 inches high. 




l.6o(5*)| 

k Ml ■ > 3LkamaM 

(-2*)— ©,6<T 

Plate 27 z. — Arrangement of a wall 8 feet high. 




Plate 28. — Arrangement of a wall more than 8 feet high 
without making loopholes. 




ftoo 



Plate 28a. — Arrangement of an iron fence 
built on a low wall. 



Chapter VI 
REVETMENTS 

A revetment is a covering or facing 
placed upon an earth slope to enable it 
to stand at an inclination greater than it 
would naturally assume. Some revetments 
also increase the tenacity of slopes and 
diminish the injury by fire. The upper 
parts of revetments that may be struck by 
projectiles which penetrate the cover of 
earth must not be made of materials of 
large units which will splinter when struck. 
The upper part of the revetments is tech- 
nically known as crowning. 

Sandbags 

Sandbags are made of coarse canvas or 
burlap. They are 33 inches long and 14 
inches wide. They are filled loosely with 
earth or sand about J^ cubic foot to a bag. 
Having been placed in position they are 
pounded down with a shovel to a rec- 
tangular form- when they will fill a space 
about 20 by .13 by 5 inches. 

The sandbag revetment is constructed by 
laying alternate rows of headers and 
stretchers, breaking joints. The tied ends 
of the headers and seams of the stretchers 

74 



REVETMENTS 



75 



are put into the parapet. Men working in 
pairs lay the bags and set them firmly in 
place with a spade or mallet. 
The advantages are : 

1. The portability of the empty bags. 
Only 62 pounds per one hundred bags. 

2. They may be filled with any kind of 
soil. 

3. They are rapidly filled and easily 
placed in position. 

4. They are invaluable in making repairs. 

5. They will not splinter. 

The only disadvantage is that they are 
not durable. The cloth soon goes to decay 
and the filling material crumbles away. 

Plate 29 shows the appearance of a sand- 
bag revetment as seen from the front and 
from the end. 




Plate 29. — Sandbag revetment. 



76 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

A squad of six men with two shovels and 
one pick should fill 150 bags in an hour. 
One man uses the pick, two shovel the dirt 
into the bag, one holds the bag open and 
two men tie the bags. Having the filled 
bags ready to hand ten men will lay 75 
square feet of revetment in an hour. Four 
men lay the bags and flatten them out 
while six carry them. 

Brush 

Brush is used in many forms for revet- 
ting. Almost any kind will serve the pur- 
pose. For weaving, it must be live and is 
most pliable when not in leaf. It should 
not be more than 1 inch in diameter at the 
butt. When cut it should be assorted in 
sizes for the different class of revetments. 
Poles 2^2 inches in diameter are cut for 
the supports. 

Fascines 

A fascine is a cylindrical bundle of 
brushwood tightly bound. The usual 
length is 18 feet, the diameter 9 inches, 
and the weight normally about 140 pounds. 
Lengths of 6 and 9 feet, which are some- 
times used, are most conveniently obtained 




s*. 



H 
< 

6 



78 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

by sawing a standard fascine into two or 
three pieces. 

Fascines are made in a cradle which 
consists of .five trestles, the outer ones be- 
ing 16 feet apart. The trestle is made by 
driving two sticks about 63/2 feet long and 
3 inches in diameter in the ground and 
lashed at the intersection as shown in 
Plate 29a. In making the cradle, plant the 
two end trestles first. Stretch a line from 
one to the other over the intersection. Place 
the others 4 feet apart and lash them so 
that each intersection comes fairly to the 
line. 

To build a fascine, straight pieces of 
brush, 1 or 2 inches at the butt, are laid 
on, the butts projecting at the end 1 foot 
ibeyond the trestle. Leaves should be 
stripped and unruly branches cut off, or 
partially cut through, so that they will lie 
close. The larger, straighter brush should 
be laid on the outside, butts alternating in 
direction, and smaller stuff in the center. 
The general object is to so dispose the 
brush as to make the fascine of uniform 
size, strength and stiffness from end to 
end. 

When the cradle is nearly filled, the fas- 



REVETMENTS 79 

cine is compressed or choked by the fascine 
choker (Plate 30), which consists of two 
bars, 4 feet long, joined 18 inches from 
the ends by a chain 4 feet long. The chain 
is marked at 14 inches each way from the 
middle by inserting a ring or special link. 
To use, two men standing on opposite sides 
pass the chain under the brush, place the 
short ends of the handles on top and pass 
the bars, short end first, across to each 
other. They then bear down on the long 
ends until the marks on the chain come to- 
gether. Chokers may be improvised from 
sticks and rope or wire. 

Binding will be done with a double turn 




Plate 30.— Method of using the 
fascine choker. 



80 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



of wire or tarred rope. It should be done 
in twelve places 18 inches apart, the end 
binders 3 inches outside the end trestles. 
To bind a fascine will require 66 feet of 
wire. 

Improvised binders may be made from 
rods of live brush; hickory or hazel is the 
best. Place the butt under the foot and 
twist the rod to partially separate the fibers 
and make it flexible. A rod so prepared is 
called a withe. To use a withe, make a 
half-turn and twist at the smaller end. 
Pass the withe around the brush and the 
large end through the eye. Draw taut and 
double the large end back, taking two half- 
hitches over its own standing part. 

A fascine revetment is made by placing 




&& 



Plate 31. — Fascine revetment. 



REVETMENTS 81 

the fascines as shown in Plate 31. The 
use of headers and anchors is absolutely 
necessary in loose soils only, but they 
greatly strengthen the revetment in any 
case. A fascine revetment must always be 
crowned with sod or bags. 

In all brush weaving the following terms 
have been adopted and are convenient to 
use: 

Randing. — Weaving a single rod in and 
out between pickets. 

Slewing. — Weaving two or more rods to- 
gether in the same way. 

Pairing. — Carrying two rods together, 
crossing each other in and out at each 
picket. 

Wattling. — A general term applied to the 
w r oven part of brush construction. 

A hurdle is a basket work made of brush- 
wood. If made in pieces the usual size is 
2 feet 9 inches by 6 feet, though the width 
may be varied so that it will cover the de- 
sired height of slope. 

A hurdle is made by describing on the 
ground an arc of a circle of 8-foot radius 
and on the are driving ten pickets, 8 inches 
apart, covering 6 feet out to out. Brush is 
then woven in and out and well compacted. 



82 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

The concave side of a hurdle should be 
placed next the earth. It warps less than if 
made flat. 

In weaving the hurdle, begin randing at 
the middle space at the bottom. Reaching 
the end, twist the rod as described for a 
withe but at one point only, bend it around 
the end picket and work back. Start a sec- 



Plate 32. — Method of laying out hurdle. 




Plate 33. — Hurdle. 



REVETMENTS 83 

ond rod before the first one is quite out, 
slewing the two for a short distance. Ham- 
mer the wattling down snug on the pickets 
with a block of wood and continue until 
the top is reached. It improves the hurdle 
to finish the edges with two selected rods 
paired. A pairing may be introduced in 
the middle, if desired, to give the hurdle 
extra endurance if it is to be used as 
a pavement or floor. If the hurdle is 
not to be used at once, or if it is to be 
transported, it must be sezved. The sew- 
ing is done with wire, twine or withes 
at each end and in the middle, with 
stitches about 6 inches long, as shown 
in Plate 33. About 40 feet of wire 
is required to sew one hurdle. No. 14 
is about the right size, and a coil of 100 
pounds will sew forty hurdles. Three men 
should make a hurdle in two hours, two 
wattling and the third preparing the rods. 

Continuous Hurdle. — If conditions per- 
mit the revetment to be built in place, the 
hurdle is made continuous for considerable 
lengths. The pickets may be larger; they 
are driven further apart, 12 or 18 inches, 
and the brush may be heavier. The con- 
struction is more rapid. The pickets are 



84 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

driven with a little more slant than is in- 
tended and must be anchored to the para- 
pet. A line of poles, with wire attached 
at intervals of two or three pickets, will 
answer. The wires should be made fast to 
the pickets after the wattling is done. They 
will interfere with the weaving if fastened 
sooner. Two men should make 4 yards of 
continuous hurdling of ordinary height in 
one hour. 

Brush Revetment. — Pickets may be set as 
above described and the brush laid inside 
them without weaving, being held in place 
by bringing the earth up with it. In this 
case the anchors must be fastened before 
the brush laying begins. The wires are not 
much in the way in this operation. 

Gabion Making. — A gabion is a cylin- 
drical basket with open ends, made of brush 
woven on pickets or stakes as described for 
hurdles. The usual size is 2 feet outside 
diameter and 2 feet 9 inches height of watt- 
ling. On account of the sharp curvature 
somewhat better brush is required for 
gabions than will do for hurdles. The 
gabion form is made of wood, 21 inches 
diameter, with equidistant notches around 
the circumference, equal in number to the 



REVETMENTS 



85 




V 

Plate 34. — Gabion. 

number of pickets to be used, usually eight 
to fourteen ; less if the brush is large and 
stiff, more if small and pliable. The notches 
should be of such depth that the pickets 
will project 1 inch outside the circle. The 
pickets should be 1^ to 2 inches in di- 
ameter, 3 feet 6 inches long, sharpened, 
half at the small and half at the large end. 




Plate 35. 



86 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



To Make a Gabion. — The form is placed 
on the ground. The pickets are driven ver- 
tically in the ground, large and small ends 
down, alternately. The form is then raised 





Plate 36. — Forming the gabion 
supports. 

a foot and held by placing a lashing around 
outside the pickets, tightened with a rack 
stick. (See Plate 36.) 

The wattling is randed or slewed from 
the form up. The form is then dropped 
down, the gabion inverted, and the wattling 
completed. If the brush is small, uniform, 
and pliable, pairing will make a better watt- 



REVETMENTS 8? 

ling than randing. If not for immediate 
use, the gabion must be sewed as described 
for hurdles, the same quantity of wire be- 
ing required. 

The gabion, when wattled and sewed, is 
completed by cutting off the tops of the 
pickets, 1 inch from the web, the bottom 3 
inches. The latter are sharpened after cut- 
ting and driving a pairing picket through 
the middle of its length and a little to one 
side of the axis. Three men should make 
a "gabion in an hour. 

Gabions may be made without the forms, 
but the work is slower and not so good. 
The circle is struck on the ground and the 
pickets driven at the proper points. The 
weaving is done from the ground up. The 
entire time of one man is required to keep 
the pickets in their proper positions. 

If brush is scarce, gabions may be made 
with 6 inches of wattling at each end, the 
middle being left open. In filling, the open 
parts may be lined with straw, grass, brush, 
or grain sacks to keep the earth from run- 
ning out. 

Gabion Revetment. — The use of gabions 
in revetment is illustrated in Plate 37. If 
more than two tiers are used, the separat- 



88 



ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 



ing fascines should be anchored back. 
Gabion revetment should be crowned with 
sod or sandbag. 

The advantages of gabion revetment are 
very great. It can be put in place without 




Plate 37. — Methods of use of gabion. 

extra labor, faster and with less exposure 
than any other. It is self-supporting and 
gives cover from view and partial cover 
from fire quicker than any other form. 
Several forms of gabions made of material 
other than brush have been used. Some of 
them are sheet iron, empty barrels and 
hoops. The disadvantages of iron are that 
it splinters badly, is heavy, and has not 
given satisfaction. If any special materials' 
are supplied, the methods of using them 
will, in view of the foregoing explanation, 
be obvious. 

Timber or Pole Revetment. — Poles too 



REVETMENTS 



89 



large for use in any other way may be cut 
to length and stood on end to form a re- 
vetment. The lower end should be in a 
small trench and have a waling piece in 
front of them. There must also be a waling 
piece or cap at or near the top, anchored 
back. Plate 38 shows this form. 

Miscellaneous Revetments. — Any recep- 
tacles for earth which will make a staple, 
compact pile, such as boxes, baskets, cans, 
etc., may be used for a revetment. Canvas 
or burlap stretched behind pickets is being 
used to a great extent on the battle fronts 
of Europe. If the soil will make adobe, an 
excellent revetment may be made of them, 
but it will not stand wet weather. 




Plate 38. — Timber revetment. 



Chapter VII 

WORKING PARTIES 

The infantryman will always be called 
upon to construct the trench which he is 
to occupy. Each company is provided with 
portable tools, which the men carry, and 
each infantry regiment is provided with 
tools for the purpose. The digging tools 
consist of picks and shovels. 

When it has been decided to locate fire 
trenches along a certain line officers will 
lay out the cutting lines and mark them 
with tape or otherwise. A company will be 
assigned for the construction of a definite 
section of the trench. 

Let us work out the procedure, assuming 
that the work may go on unmolested by the 
enemy. Such, however, is not usually the 
case. The enemy will do anything in his 
power to prevent construction work. If, 
however, we are familiar with the details 
of the work and know how to go about it 
in an orderly and systematic manner under 
conditions of noninterference by the enemy, 
we will be able to carry out these details of 
organization and procedure under more or 
less trying conditions when the time comes. 

90 



WORKING PARTIES 91 

Officers have established the trace of the 
trench and marked the cutting lines. It is 
the ordinary traversed type, 18 feet bays 
with traverses 5 feet wide and 5 feet deep, 
as shown in Plate 14. 

The company is composed of, say, twelve 
squads organized into three platoons of four 
squads each. Six bays of the trench have 
been assigned to the organization for con- 
struction. This gives a task to each platoon 
of two bays, including one complete traverse 
and a half traverse on each flank. 

Tools have been issued to the first and 
third squads of each platoon, the front rank 
men carrying picks and the rear rank men 
shovels. 

The company is marched in column of 
squads to the site of the trench, approach- 
ing it from the rear, and halted with the 
head of the column fifteen paces in rear of 
and opposite the right of the section as- 
signed; that is, in rear of the first bay of 
the section. The second platoon is then 
conducted by the platoon commander and 
halted with its head opposite the third bay. 
The third platoon is in like manner con- 
ducted to the rear of the fifth bay. Each 
platoon commander then has the two rear 



92 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

squads of his platoon, conducted to a point 
behind the bay on his left, i. e. } the second, 
fourth and sixth respectively. This allows 
two squads for the work in each bay, the 
leading squad furnishing the first relief and 
the rear squad the second. 

The leading squad of each column is then 
marched to a point two paces in rear of the 
rear cutting line of the trench, where they 
take off their packs and lay their rifles on 
them. The corporal and his rear rank man 
fall out. The corporal assigns tasks, num- 
ber ones to the first 2-yard section, number 
twos to the second and number threes the 
third. 

The tasks are shown in Plate 39. The 
corporal superintends the work. Number 
4 rear rank marks out the cutting lines with 
his shovel around the traverses and starts 
work on them. 

Experience has shown that the best 
method of dividing up the work is to group 
the men in pairs, one man with a pick and 
one with a shovel and to prescribe that they 
relieve each other. 

The leading squads assigned to each bay 
work at top speed for 30 minutes. At the 
end of the twenty-eighth minute the cor- 















5 


1 













* 




1 * 




"•*».. 






v. -0 








1 ^ 







1 J 


* 


•» ** 






v. t 








1 w 




««. < 


1 * 






' t 






1 ° 


m 




1 K 









I V 


JC 




1 < 
























a 










?£ 


- 




*t 








^ 


1 




l " 






1 ^ 






l *f" 




* 5 * 


! < 












I v. 


<M 


."» »■ 







<* « 


i ^ 


* 


■vi ■* 


i ■*» 
i " 






! "a 






1 i 


1 






f 


X 












































3 O 




L 






> * 





u. 

* 


M 




a 


* 


j 


CJ 


X 


< 




1 




f\i 



UI 
I- 



t 




u, 


•w 






<t 


i 




^ 


•f 


\r> 




© 


w 


*• 



94 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

poral of the rear squad brings his men up 
and deploys them. At a signal from the 
platoon commander the men of the first 
and third squads drop their tools, get out 
of the trench, and proceed to the rear, 
where they rest. The men of the second 
and fourth squads jump into the trench and 
take up the task. At the end of another 
30 minutes this procedure is again carried 
out. 

This scheme of assigning tasks and pro- 
cedure was given an exhaustive test in 1915 
in the course of testing out various types 
of intrenching tools. It worked to perfec- 
tion. 

The bays are first completed, after which 
the traverses begun by No. 4 rear rank are 
finished up. Great care should be taken to 
make the dimensions of the trench as accu- 
rate as possible. The' squad leader is held 
responsible for this. He should provide 
himself with two sticks. On one the fol- 
lowing lengths are laid off: 1 foot, width 
of berms, and height of parapet; 1 foot 4 
inches, width of firing banquet, height of 
firing banquet above bottom of trench, and 
width of bottom of trench. The other stick 
has the following lengths measured on it: 



WORKING PARTIES 95 

4 feet, depth of trench from ground surface 
to the top of firing banquet ; 5 feet 4 inches, 
depth of trench from ground surface to 
bottom of trench. (See Plate 15 for di- 
mensions of standing trench.) 

When the circumstances are such that 
the work of trench construction is inter- 
fered with by the enemy, a modification of 
the system outlined here will have to be 
made, but the details should be adhered to 
as closely as possible. 

When night work is necessary the trace 
should be staked out before complete dark- 
ness sets in. If the trace can only be made 
after dark, visible reference points needed 
with white paper, white tape or screened 
flashlights may be utilized. Stick to the de- 
tails of the deployment, the laying out of 
tasks and the procedure as indicated for 
day work as closely as possible. Avoid 
making any more noise than is absolutely 
necessary; allow no smoking and require 
such conversation as is necessary to be made 
in whispers. . Protect the workers by a sys- 
tem of patrols to the front. 

Noncommissioned officers are held re- 
sponsible for a systematic and orderly 



96 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

execution of the work being performed by 
their units. The captain cannot be every- 
where along the line. He has to depend 
upon the platoon and squad leaders in the 
work. That is why you should study it 
and know about it so as to be able to make 
good when the time comes. 



Chapter VIII 
GRENADE WARFARE 

The use of hand grenades as an imple- 
ment of warfare dates back many centuries. 
History records their use as far back as 
1536. Up to the close of the eighteenth 
century soldiers were trained in the throw- 
ing of hand grenades, and for this reason 
were called "grenadiers/' At first there were 
a few in each regiment, later entire com- 
panies were formed, and finally each in- 
fantry unit that corresponds to our bat- 
talion of today had its own grenadier unit. 

Then there was a period of time when 
more open formations were adopted, when 
there was less opportunity for the employ- 
ment of grenades and their use was prac- 
tically eliminated from the battlefield and 
confined to sieges, where they have been 
used more or less since the dawn of mili- 
tary history. 

With the advent of the Russo-Japanese 
War came the extensive use of trenches on 
the battlefield, and with the trenches came 
the hand grenades which were used in large 
quantities by both sides. This was espe- 
cially the case when the fighting lines came 

97 



98 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

to close quarters and in the assaults against 
the forts at Port Arthur. 

When the European war resolved itself 
into trench warfare, such as it is today, the 
use of hand-thrown projectiles assumed an 
importance heretofore never attained, and 
today we find ourselves employing hand 
grenades in every phase of the conflict. 

Employment of Grenadiers 

Grenadiers are employed on both the 
offensive and defensive. They accompany 
the attacking lines in the advance on the 
enemy's position, they clear the fire 
trenches and communication trenches after 
parts of the enemy's lines have been taken, 
and on the defense they assist the riflemen 
in repelling attack and engage the enemy 
whenever he has obtained a lodgment in 
the trenches. 

Organization 

While every infantryman receives a cer- 
tain amount of instruction in grenade 
throwing, there should be a grenadier squad 
in each platoon specially instructed and 
trained in this most effective auxiliary 
method of trench warfare. Not all men 
possess the temperament and qualifications 



W 




mo: 

>net Man 
'oc/e Thrower 
ade Carrfer 
id Leader 
icader 







C% I^^BKig^a^ N%\^^,a M w . 



Method of c tearing Fire Trenches 
by Grenadier Souads 



PL ft TE 40. 




wmmm r 



legend: 

O Bayonet Man 
® Grenade Thrower 
© Grenade Carrier 
Squad Leader 
□ Barr/cader 







SECOND POSITION 



GRENADE WARFARE 99 

necessary to make efficient grenadiers. 
Hence the personnel of the grenadier squad 
should be carefully selected. Strong phy- 
sique, personal courage and steadiness in 
emergencies are the qualifications that 
count. Men fond of outdoor sports, other 
things being equal, will be found the best. 

The grenadier squad is organized as fol- 
lows : 

Front Rank. 

No. 1. First bayonet man. 

No. 2. Second bayonet man. 

No. 3. Grenade thrower. 

No. 4. Squad leader, observer and di- 
rector. 
Rear Rank. 

No. 1. First carrier. 

No. 2. Second carrier. 

No. 3. Barricader. 

No. 4. Barricader. 

Duties 

The duties of the several members of the 
squad vary under different circumstances 
of their tactical employment which will be 
fully explained below. In general they are 
as follows: 

Bayonet Men. — The bayonet men move in 



100 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

advance of the grenade throwers. When 
the grenade thrower has thrown his gren- 
ades into the objective trench the bayonet 
men must be ready to take instant advan- 
tage of the temporary demoralization of the 
enemy caused by the explosions and clear 
the way for a repetition of the operation. 

Grenade Thrower. — The grenade thrower 
must be ready and able to throw a grenade 
at once whenever the bayonet men or squad 
leader may direct. 

Squad Leader. — The squad leader directs 
the operations of the squad. He goes wher- 
ever his presence is necessary. He keeps 
a close watch to the flanks. He replaces 
casualties and attends to the forwarding of 
grenades to the thrower. He acts as a 
grenade thrower whenever he can assist 
the operations in that capacity. 

Carriers. — The carriers carry as many 
grenades as possible, and when their sup- 
ply is exhausted they go to the reserve 
depots and replenish. They are responsible 
for a continuous supply of grenades to the 
throwers. 

Barricaders. — The barricaders are 
charged with the construction of barricades. 
They carry sandbags and tools for filling 



GRENADE WARFARE 101 

them. In addition they carry as many 
grenades as possible. They hold themselves 
in readiness to go forward and construct a 
barricade or cover at any point designated 
by the squad leader. 

General. — All the men of the squad must 
be trained and prepared to take over the 
duties of any other member. Before un- 
dertaking any operation each man of the 
squad should thoroughly understand the 
part he is to play in it. 

Formation. — The formation for the sev- 
eral classes of tactical employment will be 
explained when each is considered below. 

Offensive Operations 

When it has been decided to attack a 
certain sector of the enemy's position a de- 
tailed reconnaissance is made with a view 
to locating and developing every element of 
the position, detailed plans are made and 
imparted to all concerned. (See Chapter 
XI.) 

The phases of the attack consist of: (1) 
The artillery preparation ; (2) the infantry 
assault; (3) the occupation and organiza- 
tion of the captured position, and prepara- 
tion to meet a counter attack. 



102 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

During the course of the artillery prep- 
aration grenadier squads work their way 
across "no man's land" and establish them- 
selves sufficiently close to throw grenades 
into the fire trenches. Failing in this they 
accompany the assaulting troops. 

When they are able to work up close 
they cover the advance of the infantry as- 
saulting lines by showering grenades into 
the enemy's fire trenches after the curtain 
of artillery fire has been extended back 
into his position to prevent the supports 
and reserves from coming up to the front. 

All men of the squad carry as many gren- 
ades as possible and such number as the 
squad leader may designate act as throw- 
ers, while the others act as carriers and 
prepare the grenades for throwing. Ac- 
curate throwing, properly observed and dis- 
tributed, will greatly assist in preparing for 
a successful assault. 

Clearing Fire Trenches 
No matter how well the infantry assault 
on the enemy's fire trenches may be con- 
ducted, it rarely succeeds in occupying the 
hostile position throughout its entire length. 
Casualties, loss of direction, and unexpected 



GRENADE WARFARE 103 

obstacles encountered are bound to break 
up the assaulting line more or less, thereby 
leaving gaps in the captured position. Fur- 
thermore the attack on a line of trenches 
takes place on a relatively small front by a 
large number of men. When the trenches 
are finally reached and a lodgment effected 
there will be great overcrowding. Provi- 
sion must be made immediately for extend- 
ing the line, otherwise the casualties at 
these points will be exceedingly heavy. 

It is the particular duty of the grenadier 
squads to clear these "gaps" of the enemy 
as quickly as possible. For this purpose an 
efficient and well-organized storming party 
must be immediately available. 

Let us say that, after careful artillery 
preparation, the assault has reached the 
enemy's fire trench. There is much over- 
crowding at the points where lodgments 
have been effected. There is a gap in the 
line between two adjacent elements. How 
is this cleared of the enemy? 

The grenadier squad immediately forms 
for action. Two bayonet men are in the 
lead, followed by the grenade thrower, who 
is in turn followed by the two carriers. 
Further to the rear are the two barricaders, 



104 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

who carry a reserve supply of grenades in 
addition to their sandbags and shovels. The 
squad leader is where he can best direct the 
operations. 

The grenadier squad is formed as shown 
in the first position, Plate 40. 

1. The grenade thrower puts grenades: 
(1) into bay \, at A; (2) into bay 2, at D ; 
(3) into bay 1, at B; (4) into the traverse 
leg at C. 

2. When the four grenades have ex- 
ploded the bayonet men rush into bay 1, the 
leader advancing into the first leg of the 
traverse trench below B, while his mate re- 
mains in the bay for a moment. 

3. The squad leader rushes around the 
traverse to A, followed by the grenade 
thrower. 

4. When the bay and the next traverse 
passages are all cleared of the enemy the 
word "O. K." is passed back to the squad 
leader by the bayonet men. The bayonet 
men get into their proper positions and the 
remainder of the squad rush into the cleared 
bay 1 and prepare for the further clearing 
of succeeding bays in the same manner as 
described above. 



GRENADE WARFARE 105 

Take the diagram on Plate 40. Study it 
out in connection with the text and you will 
see how this system works out. 

The men work in pairs, the two bayonet 
men together; the two carriers behind the 
thrower; the two barricaders sufficiently far 
to the rear to be protected by a corner of 
solid earth. The squad leader must of ne- 
cessity go where his presence is necessary. 
Usually he stays as near the grenade 
thrower as possible. 

When the enemy's grenadier parties are 
also very active in the sector, the distances 
between pairs are extended so that no more 
than two men are exposed in any one bay 
or traverse leg. 

The formation of the squad must be pre- 
served as long as possible. You will appre- 
ciate that when losses occur the squad 
leader will have to replace men and the 
formation will have to be modified to meet 
the changed conditions. This makes it ab- 
solutely necessary that every member of the 
squad be competent to take over the duties 
of any other member. 

When the squad has reached the limit of 
its advance the barricaders will come for- 
ward and construct a barricade in such 



106 ELEMENTS 0E TRENCH WARFARE 

position that it is well in view from a corner 
some distance behind. 

No passing of bombs forward from man 
to man is permitted. When the first car- 
rier's supply is exhausted he returns to the 
rear to secure a fresh supply from the re- 
serve grenade carriers who are following 
the grenade squad, and who have by now 
advanced to a point where their supply is 
available. As soon as his supply is replen- 
ished he returns to his proper position in 
the formation. Should the second carrier 
run out of grenades the squad leader may 
cause one of the barricaders to take all the 
grenades in the possession of the two and 
replace him while he goes to the rear to 
secure a fresh supply. 

In the meantime other grenadier squads 
are clearing out the communication and 
supervision trenches, blocking up the exits 
to dugouts and destroying machine-gun de- 
tachments that have thus far escaped. The 
assaulting troops have passed on towards 
the second line, covered by the curtain of 
fire of the artillery. 

Clearing Communication Trenches 
The clearing of communication trenches 



GRENADE WARFARE 107 

is effected much in the same manner as ex- 
plained for the fire trench. The grenadier 
squad is organized and formed in the same 
manner. The squad works its way into the 
communication trench by bombing each leg 
until they arrive at a point where the for- 
mation, as illustrated in Plate 41, can be 
assumed. The grenade thrower throws 
grenades into the trench at B and then at 
C. As soon as these have exploded the bay- 
onet men take advantage of the confusion 
to advance into the leg A-B under cover of 
the shoulder b, the squad leader and 
thrower advance to A, the carriers to the 
point formerly occupied by the squad leader, 
and the barricaders to the point formerly 
occupied by the carriers. The thrower 
then puts grenades into the trench at C 
and then at D, after which the whole squad 
advances another notch as formerly ex- 
plained. 

Where island traverses are encountered 
the thrower puts a grenade on each side of 
the traverse and one in the rear of it. The 
bayonet men, one on a side, assault around 
the traverse and meet on the far side, and 
the operation proceeds as heretofore ex- 
plained. 



108 elements of trench warfare 

Night Operations 
The grenadier squads may be called upon 
at night, to perform any of the services 
that are theirs by day, and in addition may 
be called upon to make night reconnais- 
sances. For this work the men must be 
able to organize and reorganize the squad 
quickly and noiselessly. The throwers must 
be particularly efficient. There must be the 
highest order of team work. 

Grenadier Patrols 

. Grenadier patrols are sent out at night to 
make reconnaissances of the enemy's lines 
with a view to getting information which 
may include : 

1. Location and organization of line. 

2. The length of line occupied. 

3. Numbers and disposition of occupy- 
ing troops. 

4. To get an acurate description of the 
ground. 

5. To locate observation and listening 
posts or any other advanced positions. 

6. To locate machine guns. 

These patrols may consist of from two 
men to the entire grenadier squad. In a 



GRENADE WARFARE 109 

patrol of six or eight men two of them 
carry rifles and belts, bayonets fixed. The 
remaining members of the patrol carry no 
equipment except a haversack filled with 
grenades. The grenades are used only in 
case of emergency. It is a reconnoitering 
patrol charged with gaining information 
and therefore does not enter into an en- 
counter with the enemy except as a last 
resort. 

The men move or crawl without noise 
and take advantage of all cover that the 
ground affords. If they suspect they are 
observed, they should "freeze" to the 
ground and remain absolutely motionless. 
On dark nights it is easy to lose the direc- 
tion and for the men to lose one another. 
Every device or scheme to lessen risks in 
this respect must be employed. The men 
may tie themselves lightly together so they 
will not proceed in a bunch and at the same 
time retain connection with each other. 

Notes on Grenade Warfare 

The first step in the training of a gren- 
adier is to overcome his fear of the grenade 
itself. This is accomplished by first hav- 
ing him practice fuse lighting with dummy 



110 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

grenades having live fuses. The men will 
be impressed with the fact that the gren- 
ades are dangerous weapons and that 
familiarity in handling them must not be 
permitted to degenerate into carelessness. 

The next step towards efficiency is the 
development of accuracy of throwing. For 
short distances it may be lobbed from the 
shoulder by a motion similar to "putting 
the shot." Stick grenades may be thrown 
for a short distance like throwing a dart. 
In the trenches the grenade should be 
thrown with an overhand motion like the 
bowler of a cricket ball, as there is danger 
of exploding them by knocking the hand 
against the back of the trench. 

The men should be taught to throw from 
all positions — standing, sitting, kneeling 
and prone. 

Should the grenade with a time fuse be 
dropped in the act of throwing, there is time 
to pick it up and throw it out of the trench 
before it explodes. Under no circumstances 
must it be allowed to explode in the trench. 

Communication throughout the squad in 
action should be maintained at all times. 
System is required to insure the throwers 
having a supply of grenades on hand all the 



GRENADE WARFARE 111 

time and that casualties are promptly re- 
placed. 

Quick action is essential to success. 
Crawling and stalking give the enemy what 
he is waiting for. 

Arrangements to assist a storming party 
by rifle and machine-gun fire are of the 
utmost value and should be provided when- 
ever possible. Care must be taken to pro- 
vide a signal which will mark the progress 
of the storming party through the trenches. 
A helmet held up on a bayonet will do this. 

All grenadiers must be especially trained 
in the filling of sandbags and making sand- 
bag barricades. 

The work of the observer is difficult and 
requires much practice. He must give his 
directions to the thrower in no uncertain 
terms. When the thrower has missed his 
objective the observer will give positive di- 
rections for the next throw. Instead of 
saying "A yard too much to the left," he 
will say, "Throw a yard to the right." Posi- 
tive directions, even if only half heard, are 
of some use ; negative directions are certain 
to be both confused and confusing. The 
observer should be expert in the use of the 
periscope. 



112 elements of trench warfare 

Hand Grenades and Petards 

The hand grenade used by our allies on 
the western front is the bracelet grenade 
with automatic firing mechanism and con- 
sists of a ball of cast iron filled with an 
explosive and of a leather bracelet which is 
fastened to the wrist. To the bracelet is 
attached a piece of rope about 30 centi- 
meters long, having an iron hook at its end. 

Just before the grenade is thrown, the 
hook is engaged in the ring of the rough- 
ened wire of the friction primer placed 
inside the fuse plug which closes the cast 
iron ball. When the grenade is thrown, 
the ring with the primer wire, held back 
by the hook of the bracelet, is wrenched 
off by a sudden movement of withdrawal 
from the wrist and the fuse is fired. The 
explosion takes place four or five seconds 
later. 

This grenade is supplied to the fighting 
zone ready for use. It is quite complicated. 
It can be thrown about 25 meters. 

The German grenade is composite ; it can 
be thrown by hand or fired from a rifle. As 
a hand missile, it is used at short distances, 
15 to 20 meters. It is composed of a cop- 
per rod to the extremity of which is fixed a 



GRENADE WARFARE 



113 



cast iron cylinder, grooved to facilitate its 
breaking into small pieces at the moment 
of explosion. The explosive is placed in- 
side this cylinder. A copper tube, also con- 
taining some explosive, is placed in the 
interior. It is surmounted by a complicated 
system for closing the grenade and for 
automatic ignition by percussion, which re- 
sults in at least 50 per cent, of misfires. 




Plate 41b. — British hand grenade No. 1. 



a. Removable cap. 

b. Detonator holder. 

c. Detonator. 

d. Explosive charge. 

e. Wood block. 



/. Handle. 

g. Safety pin. 

h. Firing pin. 

i. Cast iron ring. 

;'. Streamer. 



Used with the rifle, this grenade has a 
maximum range of 400 meters. At the ex- 
tremity opposite the grenade, the copper rod 
ends in a copper stem about 3 centimeters 
in length, movable about the axis of the 




Plate 41c. — The latest type 
British hand, grenade. 

a. Percussion cap. 

b. Firing pin. 

c. Safety pin. When in place 
prevents firing pin from strik- 
ing primer. It is removed just 
before throwing the grenade. 

d. Primer. 

e. Chamber filled with high 
explosive. 

f. Cast iron shell, serrated. 

g. Wooden handle. 

h. Streamers, to keep the 
grenade head-on. 



GRENADE WARFARE 115 

rod. This stem is covered with a copper 
sleeve of slight thickness, which is attached 
to it only at the extremity fastened to the 
rod. The diameter of the exterior of the 
sleeve must be such that it can be pushed 
into the gun barrel without pressure. To 
fire the grenade, a blank cartridge is placed 
in the chamber of the rifle ; the quantity of 
powder left in the cartridge is regulated 
according to the distance at which the 
missile is to be thrown. At the moment 
of firing, the explosive gases penetrate be- 
tween the sleeve and the stem and jam the 
sleeve against the grooves of the barrel. 
The sleeve and the stem, which is attached 
to it, take a movement of rotation in the 
grooves of the barrel, which insures the 
direction of the missile and the maximum 
efficiency of the explosive gases of the cart- 
ridge. 

The bracelet grenade and the German 
grenade just described have to be made in 
a factory. Attempts have been made to 
construct similar missiles with the explo- 
sives which are at hand at the front, ched- 
dite and melinite. Several kinds have been 
made : a primed cartridge and a primed 
hand petard, fitted on a wooden paddle, a 



116 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

preserved meat tin can filled with explo- 
sive, etc. 

The Germans have hand petards similar 
to those of the Allies but with different 
explosives. These missiles are primed by a 
detonator and a slow match and can be 
thrown about 30 meters. The discharge 
takes place either automatically or by tinder. 
They are made on the spot and very rap- 
idly. The assaulting troops carry them in 
baskets or strung on a circle of wire carried 
on the shoulder. 



2p 




Plate 41d. — Throwing hand grena L?. 



GRENADE WARFARE 117 

Grenades and petards constitute a terrible 
weapon. The projectiles exert considerable 
moral effect owing to the violence of their 
explosion and the awful wounds they occa- 
sion, and they make it possible to reach the 
enemy at points where it is impossible to 
use the rifle and bayonet. 



Chapter IX 

GAS WARFARE 

Germany first made use of poisonous and 
asphyxiating gases on the field of battle. 
It has become an accepted element in the 
present war. Every soldier should, there- 
fore, have a knowledge of the various ways 
in which gas is employed in the attack, as 
well as the measures to be taken to coun- 
teract its effect in the defense. 

The two methods of disseminating the 
gas over the battlefield are by emanation 
and grenades charged with it. 

Emanation 

This method has for its object to create 
a poisonous or irritant atmosphere. This is 
accomplished by means of the arsenic and 
phosphorous gas being' forced through tubes 
in the direction of the enemy or by means 
of liquefied chlorine, bromide, phosgene and 
sulphuretted hydrogen gas stored in cylin- 
ders under high pressure. To be success- 
ful the gas attack must be attended by the 
following conditions : 

1. The weather must be comparatively 
calm with a wind blowing in the direction 

118 



GAS WARFARE 119 

of the enemy at about 5 miles an hour. If 
the wind is too strong the gas will be car- 
ried over the enemy's trenches so rapidly 
that it will not settle in them. If the wind 
be too light the gas will be carried up intc 
the air and disseminate or may even be 
blown back into our own trenches, in which 
case chloride of lime scattered about freely 
will disperse them. 

2. There must be no rain, for fhat would 
quickly disseminate the gas and negative the 
effect. 

3. The attack must come as a surprise. 
If the elements of surprise are missing and 
the enemy has time to take protective meas- 
ures, the effect is lost. If the surprise is 
complete, the enemy trenches should be 
emptied very quickly. 

4. The gas used must be heavier than the 
air, so that it will sift into the enemy's 
trenches as it passes them. It is imprac- 
ticable to decide upon any definite hour for 
launching the gas attack. Everything de- 
pends upon the direction and velocity of 
the wind. If an hour has been tentatively 
designated and the wind changes, the at- 
tack will have to be postponed. 



120 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

When an assault follows the gas attack 
the men should wear the smoke helmets for 
at least 30 minutes after the dissemination 
has ceased; in fact they must not be re- 
moved until the order to do so is given by 
the officer commanding the attack. You 
will appreciate that the enemy's machine 
gunners may have better protection than 
the men in the bays of the trenches. 

Shell and Grenade Method 

In this method the gas dissemination is 
effected by means of shells or bombs being 
fired into the enemy's trenches containing 
the desired substances which are released 
and give off irritant fumes on explosion. 
The grenades used weigh about 1 pound. 
They are similar in appearance to the or- 
dinary tin can grenade. t Their effect in a 
trench will continue for 20 to 30 minutes. 
In the attack a large number should be con- 
centrated in a particular area to produce a 
large volume of gas. They are thrown by 
hand, trench mortar or catapult. 

Defense 

Surprise must be guarded against in 
every possible way. The. direction of the 



GAS WARFARE 121 

wind must be continually watched, and 
when its velocity and direction are spe- 
cially favorable the protective measures 
must be kept ready for instant use and spe- 
cial observers posted. Previous to an at- 
tack the enemy may remain comparatively 
quiet for several days. Noises like the 
moving of sheet iron may be heard. Pre- 
parations may be observed along the posi- 
tion. When the attack starts a hissing noise 
is heard; this latter is one of the indica- 
tions that may be evident at night. 

Helmets 

Each man on duty in the trenches is pro- 
vided with two smoke helmets, specially de- 
vised and constructed so as to absorb the 
gas and neutralize its effect, and which if 
properly cared for and used will provide 
complete protection from any substance 
likely to be used by the enemy. They are 
fitted with a valve tube through which to 
breathe and with goggles to see through. 
There are certain rules prescribed for their 
care and use. 

1. They must not be removed from the 
protective covering except for actual use 
against an attack. 



122 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

2. When the helmet has been used once 
it should be replaced by a new one. 

Dummy Helmets 

Dummy gas helmets will be provided in 
each organization by which the men may 
be practiced in putting them on. The men 
must be thoroughly drilled in the methods 
to be employed. 

The following directions accompany the 







Plate 40a. — Gas -helmet. 



GAS WARFARE 123 

helmets issued to the British Army. When 
our helmets are issued it is probable that 
each will be accompanied by a complete set 
of rules for its use and full instructions for 
the method of getting into it and for its 
care and preservation. 

Direction for Use and Care of Tube 
Helmets 

Description 

These helmets are the same as the smoke 
helmet already issued, except that stronger 
chemicals are added and a tube valve pro- 
vided through which to breathe out. The 
tube valve makes the helmet cooler and 
saves chemicals from being affected by the 
breath. The wearer cannot breathe in 
through the tube valve ; this is intended for 
breathing out only. 

Directions for Use 

Remove paper cap from mouthpiece of 
tube valve. Remove service cap. Pull hel- 
met over head. Adjust so that goggles are 
over eyes. Tuck in skirt of helmet under 
coat collar and button coat so as to close 
in skirt of helmet. Hold the tube lightly 
in lips or teeth like stem of pipe, so as to 



124 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

be able to breathe in past it and out 
through it. 

Breathe in through month and nose, using 
the air inside the helmet. Breathe out 
through tube only, 

Directions for Care of Tube Helmet 

1. Do not remove the helmet from its 
waterproof case except to use for protection 
against gas. 

2. Never use your tube helmet for prac- 
tice or drill. Special helmets are kept in 
each company for instruction only. 

Should the goggles become misty during 
use they can be cleared by rubbing them 
gently against the forehead. 

When lacrimatory gases are used goggles 
affording mechanical protection may be 
worn, as these gases ar,e not likely to irri- 
tate the lungs, though they sometimes pro- 
duce sickness. 

Improvised Methods 

If a soldier does not possess one of the 
official pattern respirators, the following 
measures will be found useful : 

1. Wet and wring out any woolen article, 
such as a stocking or muffler, so as to form 



GAS WARFARE 125 

a thick pad large enough to cover the nose 
and mouth, and press firmly over both. 

2. Place in a scarf, stocking or handker- 
chief, a pad of about three handfuls of 
earth, preferably damp, and tie it firmly 
over the mouth and nose. 

3. A wet cloth pulled down over the eyes 
will be found useful as additional protec- 
tion, especially against certain gases other 
than chlorine or when the gas is too strong 
for the ordinary respirator. 

4. A stocking, wetted with water and 
soda solution or tea, folded into eight folds 
and firmly held or tied over the nose. 

5. A sock folded fourfold similarly wet- 
ted and held or tied. If the sock or com- 
forter has been soaked in soda solution it 
will still act efficiently when dry, though if 
possible, it should be moist. The spare 
tapes from puttees may be used for tying 
on the sock. 

6. Any loose fabric, such as a sock, sand- 
bag, woolen scarf or comforter, soaked in 
urine, then wrung out to allow of free 
breathing and tied tightly over the nose 
and mouth. 

In the absence of any other cloths, the 



126 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

flannel waistbands issued for winter use 
could be used for this purpose. 

Knapsack Sprayers 

Knapsack sprayers are issued for use to 
clear gases out of the trenches after the 
cloud has blown over. A man with the 
sprayer on his back (and wearing his smoke 
helmet) slowly traverses the trench, work- 
ing the spray. If this is not done the heavy 
poisonous gas may linger in the trench for 
days and be a source of great danger. 

If supports or reinforcements enter a. 
trench charged with gas, they should be 
preceded by a man using a sprayer. 

Sprayers are charged with sodium 
thiosulphate — more commonly known as 
"hypo" — 6 pounds being dissolved in a 
bucket of water and a handful of ordinary 
washing soda added. ' 

Garden syringes and buckets may be 
used if sprayers are not available, but these 
are not so effective. Sprayers should be 
charged before they are taken up to the 
trenches, and should be kept ready for im- 
mediate use. 

Everj- officer defending a trench against 
an enemy gas attack should endeavor to 



GAS WARFARE 127 

collect information whenever possible, to 
be sent to headquarters through the usual 
channels. Particularly valuable is the cap- 
ture of apparatus used by the enemy either 
for disseminating gas or for protection 
against it. If a shell attack is made, un- 
exploded shells or portions of them should 
be sent through to headquarters at once. 
The time of day, duration of attack, color, 
taste or smell of gas used, effect on the 
eyes breathing, and all other symptoms 
should be noted. New gases may be used 
at any time, and speedy information greatly 
forwards the adoption of preventive mea- 
sures. 



Chapter X 

SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 

Preparations for Entering Trenches 
Preparing to enter upon a period of ser- 
vice in the trenches the company common- 
der makes a complete inspection of the 
company which includes : 

1. Inspection of rifles and ammunition. 

2. Inspection of equipment, contents of 
packs, intrenching tools, field glasses, wire 
cutters, first-aid packets, emergency rations, 
gas helmets identification tags, canteens, 
clothing, etc. 

3. Canteens to be filled with water. 

4. Test bayonets, fix and unfix. 

5. Have company fill magazines. 

Inspection of Section 
The company commander precedes the 
company into the trenches and makes a 
tour and inspection of the section assigned, 
which includes : 

1. Layout of the trenches: fire trench, 
supervision trench, communication trenches, 
machine-gun positions, snipers' positions, 
listening and observation trenches, dugouts, 
latrines, etc. 

128 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 129 

2. Locate telephones, reserve ammuni- 
tion and munitions depots, water supply, 
gas alarms, tools and any trench accessories 
and utilities that may be included in the 
section. 

3. Get any information of the enemy that 
may be of value from the outgoing com- 
pany commander. 

Tactical Disposition 
The company commander will then make 
his tactical dispositions. In occupying the 
trenches a certain section of the line is as- 
signed to each company. This section con- 
tains so many bays of the trench. The fol- 
lowing dispositions are suggested as meet- 
ing the requirements under our organiza- 
tion : 

1. The company is organized into four 
platoons of four squads each. 

2. The section of the line assigned to the 
company contains eight bays. 

3. Support No. 1 consists of the first and 
second platoons. 

4. Support No. 2 consists of the third 
and fourth platoons. 

5. From Support No. 1 : Two squads of 
the first platoon occupy bays 1 and 2; two 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 131 

squads of the second platoon occupy bays 
3 and 4. 

6. From Support No. 2 : Two squads of 
the third platoon occupy bays 5 and 6 ; two 
squads of the fourth platoon occupy bays 
7 and 8. 

7. Each squad establishes a double senti- 
nel post in the bay assigned to it and the 
remaining members go into the squad shel- 
ters just in rear of the bays. This gives 
three reliefs for a double sentinel post and 
allows one extra man to be utilized as "run- 
ner," etc. 

8. The remainder of the company is es- 
tablished in the company dugouts. 

9. Depending upon the length of the 
tours of duty of the company in the first 
line trenches, the squads are changed ac- 
cording to a system that will have to be 
varied to suit the occasion, the squads in 
support taking their place in the fire 
trench and those in the fire trench return- 
ing to the support. 

Going Into the Trenches 
Platoons enter by not more than two 
squads at one time, thus minimizing the 
danger from shell fire. The platoon com- 



132 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

mander will explain to his squad leaders 
the extent of trench to be taken over and 
the action to be taken in case they are 
caught under shell fire or rapid fire while 
going up to the trenches.' A second in com- 
mand in each squad will be designated, so 
that if casualties occur among the squad 
leaders the relief will proceed as previously 
arranged. 

The operation will proceed in silence. 
Rifles must be carried so that they do not 
show over the parapet. On reaching the 
fire trench the men of the first relief are 
posted to relieve the old detail and each man 
finds out any points that may be useful from 
his predecessor on that post. 

Information to be Obtained 

The platoon commander confers with the 
commander of the outgoing party and se- 
cures all the information possible about the 
position which includes : 

1. Behavior of enemy during period pre- 
ceding relief, and any point in their line re- 
quiring special information, e. g., enemy 
may have cut wire as though preparing to 
attack. 



erver Nfl- 




Fire 9/7 ^SZ+Zat-e^- 
located M* J *>**£Lr- 

r*^iT^* F/re on a 

Organization o" **atd P oir \\ 

J (sap-head) 



Fire on a 
located point 
(loop h»ie) 



King-i)i7\ 



1 




— Sector of observer if 92 »| 

! i Sector j of observer N? / ■ 






f*W •-* Observer ■ *^^C^2P^ 
located point N0 * *^ - --^, • 

(loop-hole) "' ' ^HattSjt^ / 






Organization of fire of Observers in the Combat Trench 



*tt*iax*~$£fZ± 



law ♦**=« 



%*»■ " Fire on a 



locatd point 
(sap-head) 



Fire on a 
located poini 
(loop heie) 



King -l)l? 



Plati 42. 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 133 

2. Machine-gun emplacement may be sus- 
pected at some particular point. 

3. Anything ascertained by patrols about 
ground between firing lines, thus avoiding 
unnnecessary reconnaissance. 

4. Any standing arrangements for patrols 
at night, including point at which wire can 
best be passed, ground to be patrolled, or 
place where they can lie under cover. 

5. Any parts of trench from which it is 
not safe to fire. Such positions are apt to 
occur in winding trenches, and are not al- 
ways recognizable in the dark. 

6. Special features of trench, recent im- 
provements, work not completed, dangerous 
points (on which machine guns are trained 
at night), useful loopholes for observation. 

7. Places from which food and water can 
be safely obtained. 

8. Amount of ammunition, number of 
picks, shovels and empty sandbags in that 
section of the line. 

Information on these points cannot al- 
ways be given properly by word of mouth. 
Written notes and plans should therefore be 
handed over to a platoon commander tak- 
ing over for the first time. 



134 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

Every man is required to see that he has 
a good firing position for all directions. 
Commanders must satisfy themselves that 
men have done this, and report. The whole 
line "Stands to Anns" during the hour be- 
fore dawn. 

After dark, unless the moon is bright, 
rifles should be left in firing position on the 
parapet. All men not on sentry should keep 
rifles, with bayonets fixed, in the trench. 

Routine 

1. Double sentinel posts are established 
in each bay. They are on post one hour at 
a time. 

2. When the enemy's trench-mortar de- 
tachments are active, special sentinels will 
be posted to give notice of coming bombs. 

3. Every man in the platoon is to know: 

(a) The location of the platoon reserve 
ammunition and munitions. 

(b) The location of latrines. 

(c) The topography of the trenches in 
the platoon section and the adjoining sec- 
tions, including the approaches. The loca- 
tion of the accessory defenses, listening and 
observation posts, machine-gun positions, 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 135 

snipers' positions, trench-mortar positions, 
etc. 

(d) The tactical disposition in the sector 
and the general disposition of the company. 

(e) The location of loopholes. 

(/) The places of especial danger in or- 
der that he may stay away from them. 

4. Rifles are inspected twice daily. Every 
precaution is taken to keep the rifle and 
ammunition free from mud. 

5. There is a gas helmet parade daily. 

6. Accurate sketches are made of the 
trench and any addition or alteration en- 
tered on them. 

7. Loopholes are inspected at dusk. 

8. Wire entanglements are inspected and 
repaired under cover of darkness. 

9. A log of events hour by hour should 
be kept which shows every item of enemy 
activity and the measures taken during the 
tour in the trenches. This will be a valu- 
able reference when turning the trench over 
and will make a record of the habits of the 
enemy that may be most valuable as a guide 
for making plans to circumvent him. 

10. The police and sanitation of the 
trenches will be carefully looked after. 



136 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

11. Platoon commanders may divide the 
tour of supervision of the platoon sector 
with the squad leaders. 

12. The whole company stands to arms 
during the hour before dawn. 

Observation 

Observation of the enemy's line should 
be continuous. The observation and firing 
system will be arranged so that all parts of 



Par a fief 



FifiE 




Purojt&f. 

i In 

■BBBBBBBff 
l/Voooert Loop Hoie. 



Plate 43. 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 



137 



the enemy's line will be under observation 
and fire at all times. 

Plate 42 shows the arrangement in gen- 
eral. The appliances for carrying it out are 
shown in Plates 43, 44 and 45. 

The observation is conducted through a 
small loophole made by a stick through the 
parapet or an iron tube run through and 
directed toward the point to be observed. 
To conceal the exit a few tufts of earth 
and grass are placed there in an irregular 
manner. Steel loopholes may also be em- 
ployed for observation and firing purposes. 




Plate 44. — Observation loophole and rifle firing rack. 



138 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

They may be arranged a yard or two apart, 
so that one man observing through one can 
direct his mate using the rifle at the other 
so that he may bring fire to bear upon any 
member of the enemy's force that exposes 
himself at the point under observation. 

The loopholes, both observation and fir- 
ing, are arranged slantwise in the parapet 
so that the observer does not look straight 
to his front nor does the firer fire in that 
direction. 

An aiming rack constructed so as to re- 
sist the recoil of the rifle and not derange 
its aim on firing may be arranged near the 
observation loophole. When the enemy ex- 
poses himself all that is necessary is a press 
on the trigger and the bullet goes straight 
to its mark. Such an 'aiming rack may be 
easily constructed, as shown in Plate 44. 

Observation of the enemy trenches may 
also be effected by use of the periscope or, 
in the absence of one of these, by a looking 
glass in a slanted position fastened to a stick 
planted at the rear wall of the trench and 
protruding over the parapet, to reflect his 
trenches. (See Plate 45.) 



service in the trenches 139 

Field Glasses 

The enemy's trench usually appears com- 
pletely deserted, but on observing it through 
field glasses you are astonished by the de- 
tails revealed. You will see, from time to 
time, the eye of the enemy observer who 
shows himself at the loophole, or any other 
activity that it capable of being observed 
from the outside. The observer watching 
through the field glasses will soon become 
so familiar with the appearance of the op- 
posing trenches that he will be able to detect 
immediately any alteration in the obstacles, 
or changes that may be made, such as the 
establishment of new listening or observa- 
tion posts, new sap heads, machine-gun em- 
placements, etc. 

Observers are charged especially with de- 
tecting the location of machine-gun em- 
placements. The examination should be so 
complete and detailed as to prevent their 
existence without their location being accu- 
rately known. 

Any observations of enemy activities, of 
any nature whatever, are reported imme- 
diately so that they may be passed on to the 
commander whose unit is manning the 
trenches directly opposite the same. 



140 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

Loopholes should be screened at the rear 
by a sandbag split and hung over them. 
They should be carefully concealed to pre- 
vent their location being discovered by the 
enemy. There must be no alteration in the 
parapet where they are located. 




Plate 45. — Looking-glass periscope. 




Plate 45a. — Trench showing wire over- 
head cover and wire trapdoor obstacle. 
Machacoulis gallery in background. 



142 elements of trench warfare 

Snipers 
The enemy's sojourn in the trenches 
should be made as disagreeable to him as 
possible. He must be kept continually on 
the alert. Our operations must be made a 
constant menace to him. It is in this way 
that casualties are effected and he is grad- 
ually worn out. One of the best methods 
of accomplishing all of the above is the em- 
ployment of snipers, who are specially se- 
lected and trained in this branch of trench 
warfare. 

The snipers are on duty all day, but they 
have their nights in bed. They conduct 
their operations in pairs and are given a 
definite post to occupy and in exceptional 
cases may be given a roving commission. 
The advantage of having the same men 
regularly on the same post is that they learn 
thoroughly the appearance of every square 
foot of the ground included in their area 
of observation and are able immediately to 
note any change that may take place. They 
soon learn where to look for the enemy and 
in fact learn the habits, etc., of the enemy 
occupying their sphere of observation. 

The sniper must be an expert in : 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 143 

1. The construction of loopholes by day 
and by night. 

2. The use of telescopic sights, field 
glasses, periscopes and all optical contri- 
vances designed for observation purposes. 

3. The selection of good positions for 
sniping. 

4. Judging distances and estimating or 
measuring ranges. 

5. Rifle firing. He should be an expert 
rifleman in order that full advantage may 
be taken of the opportunities to inflict losses 
on the enemy. 

6. In trench warfare each pair of snipers 
will be required to report each evening to 
the company commander the result of their 
day's operations. 

What to Fire At 

When the enemy makes his attack you 
will generally fire at those who appear in 
the sector that has been allotted to you to 
cover. You may, however, abandon your 
target on your own initiative under the fol- 
lowing circumstances and fire : 

1. On officers and non-commissioned offi- 
cers. These can be recognized by their 
gestures. They are generally in the center 



144 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

of groups and get up and start first. They 
should be disabled, as this is the surest way 
of breaking up the attack. 

2. At a group on the move. Fire should 
be concentrated on an advancing group. 
The time when the group is preparing to 
start its rush may be indicated by rifles be- 
ing raised and the movements that take 
place along the line. After a rush has 
started, look out for the late comers trying 
to rejoin their comrades. They make good 
targets. 

3. When the enemy attempts to build up 
his line to the front by a process of infil- 
tration, that is, by having single men crawl 
from one point to the other, each man 
should be fired on during his advance. 

4. Fire will be immediately concentrated 
on any machine gun that comes into action. 
With the German gun prolonged firing heats 
the water in the jacket to the boiling point 
and puffs of steam are given off. Do not 
be deceived into thinking that this neces- 
sarily gives away the position of the gun, 
for this steam has been piped to a distant 
place and allowed to escape so as to draw 
fire that otherwise might be directed on the 
real position of the gun. 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 145 

5. On signallers or runners. These are 
carrying information that will probably be 
of benefit to the enemy's commander. You 
will appreciate the necessity of preventing 
this. 

6. On an enemy showing a flank. No 
opportunity must be lost to fire upon an 
enemy that exposes his flank. The fire of a 
single rifleman down the flank may cause a 
whole line to retreat. 

Use of Rifle Grenades 

Rifle grenades are capable of causing 
more losses to the enemy than bombard- 
ment. The rifle grenade arrives at its des- 
tination unexpectedly without any noise; 
it explodes before one has even time to get 
out of the way. As it does not arrive at 
fixed hours like the bombardment, the 
enemy cannot continually avoid it by tak- 
ing refuge in his dugouts and shelters ; 
when he is moving about a trench which is 
subject to rifle grenading he must be con- 
tinually on the alert. This perpetual men- 
ace, hour in and hour out, day in and day 
out, renders his sojourn in the trenches ex- 
tremely disagreeable. 

Before rifle grenades are thrown careful 



146 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

observation of the opposing trench must 
have been made to determine the point 
where the grenade is likely to do the great- 
est damage. 

Rifles are placed in the aiming racks and 
the grenades fired from time to time, day 
and night, at moments when it seems pro- 
pitious. In this way a sentinel may be 
taken by surprise ; a non-commissioned offi- 
cer or officer may be caught unawares. 

It should be remembered that we will 
probably be able to throw twenty grenades 
to the enemy's one. Advantage should al- 
ways be taken of this munitions superiority. 
Every man of the enemy we can put out of 
action is one less to kill us in the advance 
which will eventually come. Sometimes the 
enemy will try to reply. Here is where our 
munitions superiority comes in again. We 
can fairly shower him with grenades and 
make him take to his shelters. 

It may be advisable to execute a sudden 
burst of grenade fire. This is started by a 
volley and followed by fire at will. 

When the artillery has^destroyed parts 
of the enemy's trenches or makes breaches 
in his obstacles by day he will endeavor to 
repair them at night. He may be consider- 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 147 

ably annoyed and losses inflicted upon him 
by a well-directed shower of rifle grenades 
arriving at points where his working par- 
ties are located. To make this effective the 
rifle racks should be placed in position and 
secured during the day after trial shots 
have demonstrated conclusively the direc- 
tion and angle for them. 

Shelling 

You will be impressed by the shells, espe- 
cially the big ones. The din and blast of the 
explosions are, to say the least, terrifying. 
But you will soon come to know that the 
shell often makes more noise than it does 
harm and that, after a terrific bombard- 
ment, by no means is everybody destroyed. 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF 
FROM SHELLS 

The big shell, which is so appalling, is 
only really dangerous if it falls on the place 
where a man is standing, because the splin- 
ters rise in the air. Fall down flat when 
the shell bursts. Even if you are quite 
close, there is comparatively little risk. Get 
up immediately after the explosion, espe- 
cially if you are 200 to 300 yards away 



148 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

from the place where it burst. The splin- 
ters do not fall for some time after the 
explosion. 

The steel helmets and the infantry pack 
iv ; .Ii furnish considerable protection from 
shrapnel fragments and balls. 

During the Combat 

The safest place to avoid the enemy's 
shell fire when the attack has been launched 
is close up to the enemy's position, where 
the artillery fire has to cease for fear of 
placing shells indiscriminately in his own 
troops and ours. Some men, completely 
distracted, lie down with their face to the 
ground. They will be crushed where they 
lie. Artillery fire, when it is violent, tends 
to throw the ranks into confusion and dis- 
order. You have only ears for the roar of 
the approaching shell. You slow down and 
attempt to seek cover where there is no 
cover. The unit breaks up, and runs wild 
or stops altogether. Disorder and confu- 
sion means massacre. 

March strictly in place. To the front is 
your safest haven of refuge. Get hold of 
the frightened ones and keep them in place. 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 149 

You will need them to help you when you 
reach the goal. 

In the Trenches 

Dugouts with strong overhead cover are 
provided for your protection when not ac- 
tually required to man the trench. In some 
places it may be possible to dig shelter 
caves and shore up the roofs. 

Scouting and Patrolling 

Scouting and patrolling to the front is 
of greatest importance. It is kept up both 
day and night. The units occupying the 
first line send out patrols whenever neces- 
sary. They are frequently able to obtain 
valuable information and at the same time 
serve to counteract the enemy's efforts in 
this direction. 

The patrols generally consist of a junior 

To the Reader: You will find a wealth of infor- 
mation on the methods to be employed by scouts 
and patrols rn a little book similar to this one in 
size, entitled "Scouting and Patrolling," by the 
author of this volume. Published and for sale 
by the United States Infantry Association, Wash- 
ington, D. C. Price 50 cents, by mail, postpaid. 
Get your copy now and prepare yourself for these 
important duties. 



150 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

officer or non-commissioned officer and 
from four to six selected men. Their op- 
erations are conducted in accordance with 
the situation and the mission they are 
sent on. 

Hand grenades are frequently carried for 
both offensive and defensive operations. 
Grenade patrols always carry them. The 
operations of patrols may include : 

1. Reconnaissance of sectors of the ene- 
my's position with a view to determining 
his dispositions and arrangement of ob- 
stacles. 

2. Making sketches of positions. 

3. Capturing prisoners. 

4. Opposing enemy patrols. 

5. Harrassing the enemy. 

When the patrol goes out every man in 
the sector of the firing line must be in- 
formed of such fact and the possibility of 
its returning through his post. It is not 
sufficient to simply notify the men on post 
at the time the patrol goes out, as a man 
cannot always be trusted to pass the infor- 
mation on to his relief. Word should be 
quietly taken along the line by the non- 
commissioned officer in charge of the relief 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 151 

in person. When the patrol is out, special 
instructions have to be given with respect 
to firing. To cease firing altogether is very 
undesirable. It arouses the enemy's sus- 
picions. A few trustworthy riflemen are 
directed to fire high at intervals. No lights 
are sent up while the patrol is out. 

If the patrol is to remain stationary, sim- 
ilar to the outguard of an outpost, com- 
munication may be maintained by means of 
a string, spelling out the messages by Morse 
code, two jerks meaning a dash and one 
jerk meaning a dot. 

Where night patrols have to remain out 
under trying conditions special dugouts 
should be reserved where they can rest 
upon their return. 

Care of Arms 

The infantryman's rifle is his best friend. 
The personal care that he gives to it is in- 
dicative of his soldierness and discipline. 
Your rifle must be kept in prime condition, 
otherwise it may fail you at a critical mo- 
ment. A canvas breech cover that will pro- 
tect the bolt and magazine mechanism will 
be found a great advantage when the rifle 
is not in use. Care must be taken to ex- 



152 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

elude mud and dirt from the bolt mechan- 
ism. Do not put mud-covered cartridges 
into the magazine. Wipe them off first. 
Arrange a proper receptacle near your post 
for the storage of your reserve ammunition. 
Be careful that you do not clog the muzzle 
of the rifle with mud and dirt. If fired in 
this condition it will ruin the rifle. Be care- 
ful not to clog up the sight cover with mud. 
Oil the rifle frequently with good sperm 
oil. Half of the oilers in the squad should 
be filled with oil and the other half with 
Hoppe's No. 9 Powder Solvent. 

Rifles must be carefully inspected daily 
by platoon commanders and the men re- 
quired to work on them during the periods 
off post. 

Care of Trenches 

Repairs will have tp be made daily. The 
widening of trenches in the making of re- 
pairs should be strictly forbidden. Under 
no circumstances must they be altered in 
any manner except on the order of the 
company commander. 

Platoon commanders will go over every 
part of the trench several times daily with 
the squad leaders of the various sections 
and decide upon the repairs and improve- 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 153 

ments to be made. A complete and thor- 
ough police will be made prior to being re- 
lieved. All refuse will be removed. Fired 
cartridges will be disposed of, as they might 
get imbedded in the trench floor and hinder 
subsequent digging. 

Each squad leader will be held strictly 
responsible for the state of police of the 
section of trench occupied by his squad. 

Latrines 

Latrines are located at convenient points 
in the trenches. For the men on duty in the 
first line they are generally dug to the flank 
of a connecting trench and connected there- 
with by a passageway. Their location is 
plainly marked. 

The rules of sanitation are even more 
strictly observed in trenches than they are 
in soldier camps. The trenches and pas- 
sageways must not under any circumstances 
be defiled. Latrines should be kept clean 
and sanitary. They will be carefully pro- 
tected from flies. The free use of chloride 
of lime daily is an absolute necessity. 

Maps 
A complete detailed plan of our own 
trenches and as much as is known of those 



154 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

of the enemy opposite should be made, and 
be available for study and to refer to in 
making reports. Every bay of the trench 
should be numbered, every traverse lettered. 
All junction points of fire and communicat- 
ing trenches, all dugouts, all posts, mortar 
positions, machine-guns positions, observa- 
tion posts, and any points that it may be 
necessary to refer to in reports should be 
designated by numbers. 

Frost Bite; Chilled Feet 

The causes are: 

1. Prolonged standing in cold water or 
liquid mud. 

2. Tight boots and leggings, that inter- 
fere with the blood circulation. 

Prevention 

1. Before going into the trenches wash 
the feet and legs and dry them thoroughly. 
The British Army has an issue of an anti- 
freeze mixture which will probably be is- 
sued to our troops also. The feet and legs 
should be rubbed with it. Put on perfectly 
dry socks. An extra pair of dry socks 
should be carried. 

2. During the period of service in the 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 155 

trenches the feet should be treated in this 
manner from time to time. 

3. When the feet are cold, hot water will 
not be used for washing nor will they be 
held close to a fire. 

4. Rubber boots must be worn only in 
the trenches. On no account must they be 
worn while on reserve. 

Trench Soldiers' Creed 

To be of the greatest effectiveness in the 
trench every soldier, personally and collec- 
tively, must be able to adopt the following 
creed and live up to it: 

1. We are here for two purposes, to do 
as much damage as possible to the enemy 
and to hold our section of the line against 
all attacks. We are doing everything in 
our power to accomplish these missions. 
We realize that every man of the enemy 
confronting us that is not placed hors de 
combat will be there ready to shoot us down 
when the assault takes place. We realize 
also that if the enemy makes a lodgment on 
our section of the line that it endangers 
others and a costly counter attack may be 
necessary. We will hold on. 

2. With the means at hand and those we 



156 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

are able to devise we will make the enemy's 
stay in his trenches as uncomfortable and 
disagreeable as possible. All of our utilities 
are being utilized to the fullest extent and 
our various detachments are organized and 
their tactical operations are conducted with 
this object in view. 

3. We have done everything possible to 
strengthen our line. 

4. If, despite all the precautions we can 
take and the hardest fight we are able to 
make, the enemy succeeds in effecting a 
lodgment on our section of the line, we will 
meet him with the bayonet and fight to the 
last drop of our blood. 

5. We are all familiar with the tactical 
dispositions in our section of the line. Those 
of us on the flanks connect up with the 
platoons to our right and left. We know 
the route to company and battalion head- 
quarters and know where the nearest sup- 
port is located. We know the position of 
our machine guns and the sector they cover. 
We are in constant communication with the 
observing posts that cover our front, and 
our observing posts covering the other pla- 
toons are in constant communication with 
them. 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 157 

6. We know the firing position assigned 
to us and are familiar with the use to be 
made of the accessories furnished us. We 
can fire over the parapet at the foot of our 
wire entanglements to repel night attack. 

7. We will at all times be careful about 
needlessly exposing ourselves. We appre- 
ciate the fact that it is absolutely stupid to 
get killed or wounded in the trench through 
negligence. By so doing one has served 
no purpose and a soldier cannot be replaced. 
Our leaders have warned us of the espe- 
cially dangerous places. We know where 
they are and avoid them except when our 
presence there is necessary as a matter of 
duty. 

8. The sections of the enemy's line that 
we are to cover with our fire have all been 
pointed out and each of us is familiar with 
same. We have located the enemy's loop- 
holes and are doing our best to keep them 
under fire. 

9. We know our way and move noise- 
lessly about the trenches. When we enter 
and leave it is with absolute silence. 

10. We are doing our utmost to collect 
information about the enemy, his defenses, 
his activity, his movements, and especially 



158 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

his night operations. All of this informa- 
tion we transmit immediately to the platoon 
leader. 

11. We know the best way to get over 
our parapet to reach the enemy. 

12. Our appliances for protection from 
gas attacks are complete and ready for in- 
stant use. We have our helmets on our 
persons ready to put on. We are familiar 
with their use and have confidence in their 
effectiveness. We will wait for the signal 
to don our gas helmets (signal is usually 
made by beating a gong, and care must be 
taken to follow exactly the directions for 
putting on the gas helmets; carelessness 
may mean your disablement). 

13. Our trenches are drained and every 
precaution is being taken to keep the drains 
and sump holes in condition to perform 
their functions. 

14. We have rendered the parapets and 
shelters throughout our sector bullet-proof, 
and effective measures are being taken to 
prevent them from caving in. 

15. We are keeping our trenches sanitary 
and clean ; our reserve munitions are care- 
fully stored in their proper places ready for 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 159 

instant use. Refuse is always placed in re- 
ceptacles when it can be carried away. We 
do not under any circumstances litter up 
our trench floor. Our empty shells are col- 
lected and sent to the rear. 

16. Our rifles are our best friends. We 
keep them clean, well oiled, and in readiness 
for instant use. Our bayonets we have 
with us at all times ready to be placed on 
the rifle. We protect our rifle ammunition 
from the mud, as we realize that muddy 
cartridges will clog the breech mechanism 
and cause mal-function. 

17. We are taking every precaution to 
prevent "trench feet;" when practicable we 
take off our shoes and rub our feet for 15 
minutes each day. We do not wear tight 
shoes and leggings that tend to interfere 
with blood circulation. We each have a 
pair of dry socks to put on. We do not 
wear rubber boots except when it is abso- 
lutely necessary. 

18. We observe the orders regarding the 
wearing of equipment. 

19. We do not drink any water except 
that from authorized sources. We replen- 
ish our canteens whenever practicable. 



160 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

In addition to the above the platoon com- 
mander must be able to adopt the follow- 
ing and live up to them : 

1. My sentries are posted in the proper 
places. They are posted by noncommis- 
sioned officers. They have the proper or- 
ders. No man is ever on duty more than 
one hour at a time. I visit them at fre- 
quent intervals. 

2. I have a runner ready to carry a mes- 
sage to company headquarters. I realize 
that any information of the enemy that I 
may secure may be of great importance at 
regimental and other headquarters. I will 
therefore send it back with the utmost dis- 
patch. 

3. I am familiar with the methods of 
communicating with the artillery, of giving 
them information an'd of asking them for 
support. 

4. My patrols operating to the front at 
night have been properly instructed and are 
doing their duty effectively. All sentries 
in the trench have been notified when they 
are out and cautioned to look out for their 
return. 



SERVICE IN THE TRENCHES 161 

5. I have given complete and detailed in- 
struction covering what to do in case of 
gas attacks and the sending out of the 
S. O. S. signal. I have gas and attack mes- 
sages already prepared and ready to send 
after inserting the time and place in them. 

6. I know the naame of every man in my 
platoon and they all know me. 

7. I am here to inflict as much damage 
as possible on the enemy and to hold my 
part of the line. / will do it! 



Chapter XI 

THE ATTACK IN TRENCH WAR- 
FARE 

Objectives 

The objectives which must be dealt with 
in the attack of an intrenched position such 
as will be found on the western front are : 

1. The trenches of the first line. 

2. The supporting points. 

3. The trenches of the second line. 

By a study of the text preceding this you 
must realize that in the defense of these ob- 
jectives there will be employed artillery, 
rifles, grenades and machine guns. 

Artillery Preparation 
The first phase of the attack is the artil- 
lery preparation. In order that the infantry 
may make the attack with a minimum of 
losses, the artillery must have destroyed 
the wire entanglements and obstacles that 
obstruct the advance, or at least have suffi- 
ciently breached them to permit their being 
negotiated. The destruction of these ob- 
stacles is never complete. It would require 
too great an expenditure of ammunition. 
The infantry occupying the hostile trenches 

162 



ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE 163 

must be simply overwhelmed with artillery 
fire so that they will be unable to man the 
parapets when the assault is launched. Dur- 
ing the artillery preparation the hostile in- 
fantry does not occupy their firing positions 
in the trenches but remain in their dugouts, 
which are fully protected from all but the 
heaviest shells. Only a few observers are 
left in the trenches. 

When the bombardment against this par- 
ticular part of the line ceases the infantry 
leave their dugouts and man the firing posi- 
tions. To prevent this is one of the most 
important as well as most difficult tasks of 
the artillery. This may be effected by a 
well-directed fire on the exits to the dugouts 
with a view to caving them in and thus pre- 
venting the egress of the occupants. The 
enemy may sometimes be induced to leave 
his shelter prematurely by the following 
ruse: 

1. Cease the artillery fire. 

2. Open a heavy rifle fire ; this causes the 
enemy to believe that the assault has begun 
and he will man his parapets in strength. 

3. After waiting for several minutes open 
the artillery again with even increased vigor. 

The hostile infantry may be forced out 



164 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

of his dugouts by the use of shells and 
grenades containing suffocating gases which 
penetrate the shelters and make them un- 
tenable. 

The artillery is also charged with putting 
the enemy's artillery out of action to pre- 
vent them from firing upon the attacking 
infantry. 

If the enemy artillery is left free, it will 
shell our trenches and approaches, causing 
casualties and confusion and thus interfer- 
ing with the formation for the attack. The 
location of hostile batteries is effected by 
aerial reconnaissance. 

Another task of the artillery is to pre- 
vent the hostile reserves from coming up to 
reinforce their firing lines. These reserves 
will be located back in the second line until 
their presence is required at the front. As 
long as the artillery preparation continues 
they remain in the shelters, but as soon as 
it ceases they man the trenches. The artil- 
lery must therefore extend its fire to the 
second line and continue it while the first 
line is being rushed. Back of the second 
position the enemy holds strong reserves. 
The entrance of these into action must be 
prevented. This is accomplished by extend- 



ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE 165 

ing the curtain of fire still further to the 
rear. The supporting points must receive 
a lion's share of attention for, bristling with 
machine guns and trench mortars, they are 
the really dangerous elements to the in- 
fantry attack after it passes the first line 
trenches. 

The weapon which inflicts the greatest 
losses on the assaulting infantry is the ma- 
chine gun, which appears suddenly out of 
the ground and lays low whole units. By 
a careful reconnaissance these machine-gun 
positions are ferreted out and every pos- 
sible means are taken to effect their destruc- 
tion. 
The effectiveness of the artillery prepara- 
tion depends simply upon superiority of 
guns and munitions. In this respect we 
now possess a great advantage, for the state 
of our munition supply is such that our ar- 
tillery may fire several shells to one of the 
enemy. This is what established the su- 
periority. 

Organization of Infantry Attack 

The organization of the attacking in- 
fantry corresponds in a general way to the 
organization of the position being attacked. 



166 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

A first line of assault is organized. Its mis- 
sion is the capture of the enemy's first line 
trenches. A second line follows, having for 
its mission the assault and capture of the 
second line trenches. A separate organiza- 
tion of these two lines is necessary for the 
reason that the first attacking line is gen- 
erally so disorganized in the fighting that 
it no longer possesses the cohesion neces- 
sary to carry it through to the second line. 
It has been found necessary to launch a 
comparatively fresh and intact force 
against it. 

As the first position is organized into sev- 
eral separate lines of defense, so also is the 
firt attacking line organized and launched 
in two or more waves, those in rear being 
in the nature of reinforcements to those in 
front. 

Objectives 

Each unit of the attacking line is as- 
signed a distinct objective. Certain units 
are given the mission of attacking the sup- 
porting points to prevent their enfilading 
the units advancing through the intervals 
between them. 

The main efforts are made along the 
lines between the supporting points, as to 



ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE 167 

assault the latter would entail a casualty 
list not commensurate with the results. The 
effort against them is made with a view to 
neutralizing their effect. If the attack is 
successful in the intervals, the supporting 
points will fall as a result. 

The waves of the first line are directed 
against the first position, the second against 
the second position. The reserves held un- 
der the orders of the division commander 
are employed where the development of the 
situation dictates. 

Further to the rear, and under orders of 
the supreme commander, large bodies of 
reinforcements are held ready to be moved 
rapidly to points where progress has been 
made to such an extent that maneuver op- 
erations are practicable. 

Preparation for the Assault 

Preparatory to the assault, numerous saps 
(trenches) are run out to the front from 
the main firing trenches. The night before 
the attack, a parallel is broken out connect- 
ing the sap heads. This parallel is amply 
supplied with short ladders and is occupied 
by the companies composing the first wave 
of the attack. The saps ar.d the main 



168 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

trenches are also filled with men assigned 
to the following waves, who will move into 
the parallel as soon as the first wave leaves 
it. As the artillery preparation ceases, the 
first waves rush up the ladders in succes- 
sion and move out to the assault. 

The First Wave 

As the artillery preparation against the 
first line is completed and the curtain of fire 
shifted far into the enemy's position, the 
infantry of the first wave emerges from the 
parallel and moves out. The formation and 
gait depend upon the distance to the hostile 
trench. If the artillery preparation has 
been effective and the distance is not more 
than 100 yards, it is expected that the wave 
will be able to reach the fire trench without 
firing, except possibly when the wire is 
reached. If the distance is much greater 
than 100 yards, it is necessary to cover the 
advance with rifle fire. This is accom- 
plished by a line of skirmishers deployed at 
extended intervals, which precedes the wave 
at about 50 yards. The wave starts out at 
a walk, carefully aligned. It afterwards 
takes up the double time and advances by 



ATTACK IN TRENCH WARFARE 169 

rushes until the wire entanglements are 
reached. 

From this moment the period of the 
charge and individual combat begins. The 
men can no longer be kept from firing. 
Each tries to protect himself with his rifle. 
Each man locates his opening in the wire 
through which he is to go and makes for it. 
The line reforms on the other side. With 
rifles at the high charge (a position to our 
old head parry, but slanting slightly upward 
from right to left) the line rushes upon the 
enemy. Each man runs straight towards 
the part of the trench in front of him and 
jumps upon the parapet. By rifle shots and 
bayonet thrusts he destroys everything in 
his way. Men selected in advance take 
charge of the prisoners. The line is re- 
formed, lying down just beyond the fire 
trench, and fire is opened against the sec- 
ond line. Men are positively forbidden to 
enter the communication trenches. They 
are most inviting for cover, but a man rarely 
gets out of them. 

The grenadier squad proceed to their 
work of clearing the fire and communica- 
tion trenches. 



170 elements of trench warfare 

The Second Wave 

The second wave of the first line starts 
forward at the moment the first wave 
reaches the hostile trenches. If it starts 
sooner, it will unite with the first at the 
entanglement and become involved in the 
fight for the fire trench. It will be broken 
up prematurely and will be unable to take 
advantage of the developments of the fight 
of the first wave. The reinforcement by 
the second wave and the disorganization 
produced by the assault lead to a mixture 
of units in the trenches of the first position. 
Before starting out to the assault of the 
next trench it is necessary that order be 
restored. When this is accomplished the 
attack is launched against the second line. 
In front of the supporting points the com- 
bat rages. The men are barely able to hold 
on the outer edges. In the interval the ad- 
vance has reached high tide and has ex- 
panded like a wave and stopped. This is the 
limit that can be expected of the first line. 

Hasty cover is prepared and advantage 
taken of such cover as may exist. All ele- 
ments of the attack open fire on the second 
position. 



attack in trench warfare 171 

The Second Line 

Under the cover of these operations the 
second line has come up in a series of three 
lines, where it is built up compact at the 
position of the stopped first line. From 
this point its attack against the enemy's sec- 
ond line is launched. The lines are worked 
up to a point from which the assault is to 
be made, and when the time comes the first 
wave dashes out to the attack, followed by 
the second wave in the same manner as the 
assault against the first position was made. 

The action of the two lines of attack may 
be expected to overwhelm the greater part 
of the two main hostile positions. At cer- 
tain points, however, the resistance will 
hold out, and, if not overcome, will consti- 
tute points of support to which the enemy 
may bring up reinforcements and even turn 
the tide of battle by a counter attack. 

To deal with these points that hold out, 
as well as with hostile reinforcements which 
may arrive, the reserve is launched into ac- 
tion, which brings the attack into the open 
ground beyond the second line of defence, 
and maneuver operations are begun. The 
mobile units are rapidly thrown into action, 
and large forces from the general reserve 



172 ELEMENTS OF TRENCH WARFARE 

are hurried to the point where the lines of 
defense are broken through. 

From what has gone before we may de- 
duce that the following conditions must pre- 
vail to attain success in an attack on a 
prepared position : 

1. The attack must be planned down to 
the most minute detail. 

2. There must be a greatly superior force 
of artillery concentrated at the point of at- 
tack, and the artillery preparation must be 
thorough. 

3. The infantry must be sufficient in num- 
ber, training and morale to perform the 
tasks that will be demanded of them. 

4. The arrangements for the supply of 
ammunition to the firing line must be 
planned and carried out in all its details. 

5. Plans for meeting 'counter attacks must 
be thorough and complete. The capture of 
a position is often less difficult than its re- 
tention. 

6. Finally, every officer and man must 
know exactly what he is to do. 



Bayonet Training 

Waldron 



BAYONET TRAINING 

The system of Bayonet Training stated 
herein is taken from the provisional Manual 
of Bayonet Training of the British Army. 
In the vernacular of the day, it is the "real 
dope." 

Every battalion should have a bayonet 
assault practice course constructed along- 
the lines indicated and the work of training- 
should be systematically conducted. The 
noncommissioned officers should be taken 
out on a "Tactical Walk" on the course 
and all the features of the exercises ex- 
plained. This is followed by their practical 
training over the course and this in turn 
is followed by the instruction of the pri- 
vates of the organization. 

Features of the Bayonet 

To attack with the bayonet effectively 
requires good direction, strength and quick- 
ness, during a state of wild excitement and 
probable physical exhaustion. The limit of 
the range of a bayonet is about 5 feet 
(measured from the opponent's eyes) but 
more often the killing is at close quarters, 

175 



176 BAYONET TRAINING 

at a range of 2 feet or less, when troops 
are struggling hand to hand in trenches or 
darkness. 

The bayonet is essentially an offensive 
weapon — go straight at an opponent with 
the point threatening his throat and deliver 
the point wherever an opening presents it- 
self. If no opening is obvious, one must be 
created by beating off the opponents weap- 
on or making a "feint point" in order to 
make him uncover himself. 

Hand to hand fighting with the bayonet 
is individual, which means that a man must 
think and act for himself and rely on his 
own resources and skill ; but, as in all 
games, he must play for his side and not 
only for himself. In a bayonet assault all 
ranks go forward to kill or be killed, and 
only those who have developed skill and 
strength by constant .training will be able 
to kill. 

The spirit of the bayonet must be incul- 
cated into all ranks so that they go forward 
with that aggressive determination and con- 
fidence of superiority born of continual 
practice, without which a bayonet assault 
will not be effective. 

The technical points of bayonet fighting 



BAYONET TRAINING 177 

are extremely few and simple. The essence 
of bayonet training is continuity of prac- 
tice. 

Method of Carrying out Bayonet 

Training and Hints to 

Instructors 

An important point to be 'kept in mind 
in Bayonet Training is the development of 
the individual by teaching him to think and 
act for himself. The simplest means of 
attaining this end is to make men use their 
brains and eyes to the fullest extent by 
carrying out the practices so far as possible, 
without words of command, i. e., to point 
at a shifting target as soon as it is station- 
ary, to parry sticks, etc. The class should, 
whenever possible, work in pairs and act 
on the principle of "master and teacher." 
This proceedure in itself, develops individu- 
ality and confidence. Sharp jerky words 
of command which tend to make men act 
mechanically, should be omitted. Rapidity 
of movement and alertness are taught by 
competition in fixing and unfixing the bay- 
onet and by other such quickening move- 
ments. 



178 BAYONET TRAINING 

As the technique of bayonet fighting is 
so simple, long detail is quite unnecessary 
and makes the work monotonous. All in- 
structions should be carried out on com- 
mon-sense lines. It should seldom be neces- 
sary to give the details of a "point" or 
"parry" more than two or three times, after 
which the class should acquire the correct 
positions by practice. For this reason a 
lesson or daily practice should rarely last 
more than half an hour. Remember that 
nothing kills interest so easily as monotony. 

The spirit of the bayonet is to be incul- 
cated by describing the special features of 
bayonet and hand to hand fighting. The 
men must learn to practice bayonet fighting 
in the spirit and with the enthusiasm that 
animates them when training for their 
games, and to look upon their instructor 
as a trainer and helper. Interest in the 
work is to be created by explaining the rea- 
sons for the various positions, the method 
of handling the rifle and bayonet and the 
uses o? the points. Questions should be 
put to the men to find out if they under- 
stand these reasons. When men realize the 
object of their work they naturally take a 
greater interest in it. 



BAYONET TRAINING 179 

Progression in bayonet training is regu- 
lated by obtaining first correct position and 
good direction, then quickness. Strength 
is the outcome of continual practice. 

In order to encourage dash and gradually 
strengthen the leg muscles from the com- 
mencement of the training, classes should 
be frequently practiced in charging short 
distances over the bayonet practice courses. 

All company officers and noncommis- 
sioned officers should be taught how to in- 
struct in bayonet training in order that they 
may be able to teach their squads and 
platoons this very important part of a sol- 
dier's training, which must be regularly 
practiced during the whole of his service 
at home, and during his periods of rest be- 
hind the firing-lines. 

The greatest care should be taken that 
the object representing the opponent and 
its support should be incapable of injuring 
the bayonet or butt. Only light sticks are 
to be used for parrying practice. 

The chief causes of injury to the bayonet 
are insufficient instruction, in the bayonet 
training lessons, failure to withdraw the 
bayonet clear of the dummy, and placing 
the dummies on hard, unprepared ground. 



BAYONET LESSONS 

Formation. — Intervals or distances are 
taken as prescribed in paragraphs 109 and 
111 I. D. R. Bayonets are fixed, paragraph 
95, I. D. R. 

Technique of Instruction. — Before re- 
quiring the soldier to take a position or 
execute a movement for the first time, the 
instructor should show him the position or 
how to execute the movement, stating the 
essential elements and explaining the pur- 
pose that they serve. 

Illustrate the position or movement a 
second time, .requiring careful observation 
so that the men will be taught to use their 
eyes and brains right from the beginning. 

Now, require the men to assume the posi- 
tion or execute the movement under con- 
sideration. Accuracy and expertness will 
be developed by practice. 

Fatigue and exhaustion should be care- 
fully guarded against. They prevent proper 
interest being taken in the exercises and 
delay the progress of the instruction. 

The training consists of five lessons and 
the Final Assault practice. 

180 



BAYONET LESSONS 181 

Lesson No. 1 

The First lesson is divided into : 

1. The position of Guard, from which 
the various bayonet attacks are made. 

2. The position of High Port, which is 
assumed when advancing. 

3. The Long Point, which is the normal 
method of bayonet attack. 

4. The Withdrawal, which follows the 
attack. 

The Position of GUARD 

Being at the Order Arms: Raise the 
piece with the right hand, throw it to the 
front. Grasp with both hands, the left at 
a convenient place above the rear sight so 
that the left arm is only slightly bent ; right 
hand at the small of the stock and held 
just in front of the navel. The rifle is held 
naturally and easily, without constraint, 
barrel inclined slightly to the left. At the 
same time the left foot is carried forward 
to a point in a natural position such as a 
man walking might adopt on meeting with 
resistance. The left knee is slightly bent, 
right leg straight and braced. The right 
foot is flat on the ground with the toe in- 
clined to the right front. 







i 






• 

» 
■ 

1 
I 






I 
i 






'' ii 






o4 
1 ,?&i 






ill 


■ ,4 








M 




^^7^&« flli ' 










iP^lll 











BAYONET LESSONS 183 

The common faults that will be noted in 
assuming the position are: 

1 . The body will be leaned back from the 
hips, which causes unsteadiness and does 
not permit quick and aggressive action. 

2. The left arm is bent too much, which 
raises the point of the bayonet too high and 
produces a certain amount of constraint. 
The left hand should grasp the piece at such 
a point that will avoid this defect. A little 
practice will show the exact place to hold 
the hand to obtain the maximum effect. 

3. The right hand may be held too low 
and too far back, which has the effect of 
raising the point of the bayonet and giving 
a faulty position to the left arm and hand. 

4. The rifle may be grasped too tightly 
with the hands, which produces rigidity 
and restrains freedom of movement. The 
left hand merely guides the bayonet in the 
attack, the right furnishes the power be- 
hind the thrust, hence great care should be 
taken to see that the left arm is not de- 
prived of its freedom of action by gripping 
the rifle too hard with the left hand. 



184 BAYONET LESSONS 

The Position of ''REST" 

The feet are retained at the position of 
Guard. The piece is lowered and held in 
the easiest and most comfortable position. 

The Position of HIGH PORT 

Being at the position of Guard. Without 
changing the position of the hands on the 
piece, carry the rifle so that the left wrist 
is level with and directly in front of the 
left shoulder. The right hand is level with 
the belt. 

Practice will be had at the position of 
High Port with the right hand quitting the 
piece, it being held approximately in posi- 
tion with the left hand alone. This will be 
found advantageous w r hen jumping ditches, 
climbing out of trenches, surmounting ob- 
stacles, etc., leaving the right hand free. 

The Position of LONG POINT 

Being at the position of Guard. Thrust 
the point of the bayonet vigorously towards 
the point of the objective, to the full extent 
of the left arm, the stock running along 
side of and kept close to the right inner 
fore arm. The body is inclined forward; 



BAYONET LESSONS 1S5 

left knee well bent; right leg braced, and 
weight of body pressed well forward with 
the sole of the right foot, heel raised. The 
chief power in the Point is derived from 
the right arm with the weight of the body 
behind it, the left arm and hand being em- 
ployed to direct the point of the bayonet 
at the objective. 

The eyes must be fixed on the objective. 
In making the point other than straight to 
the front the left foot will be moved later- 
ally in the direction to which the point is 
made. After progress has been made in 
the execution of the simple point as in- 
dicated above, practice should include step- 
ping forward with the rear foot when the 
assault is delivered. 

The common faults in the execution of 
the Long Point will be noted as follows: 

1. The rifle is drawn back slightly before 
delivering the point, which makes for a 
momentary loss of time that may give an 
opponent the advantage and should be as- 
siduously guarded against. 

2. The stock of the piece is held too 
high, which makes the guiding of the point 
of the bayonet with the left hand more 




POSITION OE GUARD 



BAYONET LESSONS 187 

difficult, and reduces accuracy in delivering 
the point at the exact spot intended. 

3. The eyes are not directed on the point 
of the attack. This is an error. One that 
may cause a man to miss his mark. The 
soldier must realize what this means in 
hand to hand fighting. The opponent will 
get him. 

4. The left knee is not sufficiently bent, 
which does not allow the point to be made 
with the force intended. 

5. The body is not thrust sufficiently for- 
ward, which reduces just that much the 
force of the attack. 

6. The point is started at too great a dis- 
tance from the objective to make a hit. 
Practice must be conducted in making the 
point until the soldier knows the exact. dis- 
tance at which he will have to start to pro- 
duce the maximum effect. This distance 
is between four and five feet. 

During the later stages of the instruction 
the men should also be taught to step for- 
ward with the rear foot when delivering 
the point. 



188 



BAYONET LESSONS 



The WITHDRAWAL After a 
Long Point 

Being at the position of Long Point. To 
withdraw the bayonet. Draw the piece 
straight back until the right hand is well 
behind the hip. Immediately assume the 



u% 


j^afe^X 


/4S$M% 


/4mMlMvffl\^)\ 


V&&&JK&&' -ulK 


l§l!\iPf\ 


^^^^k 


JP/ffiL 


WJ w^^^^% 


nr jp*% * » 





THE WITHDRAWAL 



BAYONET LESSONS 189 

position of Guard. If the leverage or prox- 
imity of the object transfixed with the 
bayonet renders it necessary, prior to the 
withdrawal, the left hand is slipped up close 
to the stacking swivel. 

In the preliminary instruction all Points 
will be immediately followed by a with- 
drawal, prior to assuming the position of 
guard. 



PROGRESSION 

After the several positions hereinbefore 
described have been learned, the Points 
should be made at a definite place on a tar- 
get, such as the throat, the stomach, the 
head, etc. 

As progress is made, the pause between 
the point and the withdrawal is shortened 
until the soldier comes directly to the posi- 
tion of Guard from the point. Proficiency 
will finally be attained in making a "feint 
point" at one part of the target and the 
real point at another, for example: Feint 
at the head and point at the right thigh ; 
feint at the stomach and point at the neck, 
etc. 

Attacks at a retreating foe should be 
made against the kidneys, the position of 
which should be shown to the soldier. 

Vulnerable Parts of the Body 

If possible, the point of the bayonet 
should be directed against the opponents 
throat, especially in hand to hand fighting. 
The point of the bayonet will easily enter 
and make a fatal wound on penetrating a 
few inches. Other and more or less ex- 

190- 



PROGRESSION 191 

posed parts are the face, chest, lower abdo- 
men, thighs and the region of the kidneys 
when the back is turned. Four to six inches 
penetration is sufficient to incapacitate and 
allow for a quick withdrawal, whereas if 
a bayonet is driven home too far it is often 
impossible to withdraw it. 

As soon as the nomenclature of the posi- 
tions and movements are learned the men 
should work in pairs. They should be 
practiced in pointing in various directions. 
1. At the opposite man's hand, which he 
places in various positions on and off the 
body. 2. At thrusting rings tied on the 
end of a stick. 

This practice is conducted without word 
of command, so that the eyes and brain 
may be trained. 

It is not sufficient that a dummy be mere- 
ly transfixed. Some particular spot on the 
dummy should constitute the target. Discs 
or numbers should be placed on the dummy 
and the men required to point at a distance 
of about five feet from it and later as they 
become more proficient, to point after ad- 
vancing several paces. The advance must 
be made in a practical manner and the point 
delivered with either foot to the front. 



192 PROGRESSION 

The rifle must never be drawn back when 
making a Long Point in a forward move- 
ment. The impetus of the body and the 
forward stretching of the arms supply 
sufficient force. 

The bayonet must be withdrawn immedi- 
ately after the Point has been delivered, 
and a forward threatening attitude assumed 
by the side of or beyond the dummy. 

To guard against accidents the men must 
be at least five feet apart and the bayonet 
scabbard should be on the bayonet. 

The principles of this practice should be 
observed when pointing at dummies in 
trenches, standing upright on the ground 
or suspended from gallows. They should 
be applied at first slowly and deliberately. 
No attempt must be made to carry out the 
Final Assault Practice until the men have 
been carefully instructed in and have thor- 
oughly mastered the preliminary lessons. 

Lesson No. 2 

The Parries 

Being at the position of Guard: The 
right or left parry is executed by vigorously 
straightening the left arm, without bending 



PROGRESSION 193 

the wrist or twisting the rifle in the hand, 
and forcing the piece to the right or left 
far enough to fend off the adversary's 
weapon. The eyes must be kept on the 
weapon that is being parried and not on 
the eyes of the opponent as indicated in our 
bayonet combat training. 

The common faults in the execution of 
the parries consist of : 

1. Making a wide, sweeping parry, with 
no forward movement of the bayonet or 
body in it. 

2. The eyes are taken off the weapon 
that is being parried. 

The men should be taught to regard the 
parry as a part of an offensive movement, 
namely of the Point, which would immedi- 
ately follow it in actual combat. For this 
reason, as soon as the movements of the 
parries have been learned they should al- 
ways be accompanied by a slight forward 
movement of the body. 

Parries will be practiced with the right 
as well as with the left foot forward, pre- 
paratory to the practice of parrying when 
advancing. 



194 progression 

Practice 

Men when learning the parries should be 
required to observe the movements of the 
rifle carefully, and should not be kept 
longer at this practice than is necessary for 
them to understand what is required, that 
is vigorous, yet controlled action. 

The men work in pairs with scabbards 
on the bayonets, one man pointing with the 
stick and the other parrying it. The posi- 
tion of guard is resumed after each parry. 
At first this practice must be slow and de- 
liberate, without being allowed to become 
mechanical, and will be progressively in- 
creased in rapidity and vigor. 

Later a point at that part of the body 
indicated by the opposite man's hand should 
immediately follow the parry, and, finally 
sticks long enough to represent the oppo- 
nents weapon at the position of guard 
should be attached to dummies and parried 
before delivering the point. (See Targets.) 

The men must be taught to parry points 
made at them: 

1. By an enemy in a trench when they 
are themselves on the parapet. 



PROGRESSION 195 

2. By an enemy on the parapet when they 
are on the trench. 

3. When both are fighting on the same 
level at close quarters in a deep trench. 

Lesson No. 3 
The Short Point 

Being at the position of Guard: Shift 
the left hand quickly towards the muzzle 
and draw the rifle back to the full extent 
of the right arm, the butt either upwards 
or downwards, according as a low point or 
high point is to be made. Deliver the point 
vigorously to the full extent of the left 
arm. 

The short point is used at a range of 
about three feet. In close fighting it is the 
natural point to make when the bayonet 
has just been withdrawn after a long point. 
If a strong withdrawal is necessary the 
right hand should be slipped above the back 
sight after the short point has been made. 

By placing two discs on a dummy the 
short point should be taught in conjunction 
with the long point, the first disc being 
transfixed with the latter and the second 
with the former. On delivery of the long 




THE SHORT POINT 



PROGRESSION 197 

point if the left foot is forward, the short 
point would take place with the right foot 
forward and vice versa. 

The parries should be practiced from the 
position of the short point. 

Lesson No. 4 
The Jab or Upward Point 

Being at the position of Short Point: 
Shift the right hand up the rifle and grasp 
it above the balance, at the same time bring- 
ing the piece to an almost vertical position 
close to the body. From this position, bend 
the knees and jab the point of the bayonet 
upwards into the throat or under the chin 
of the opponent. 

The common faults in this movement 
are: 

1. The rifle is drawn backward and not 
held sufficiently upright. 

2. The rifle is grasped too low with the 
right hand. 

From the position of Jab, the men will 
be practiced in fending off an attack made 
on any part of their body by an opponent. 










THE JAB 



PROGRESSION 199 

When making a Jab from the position of 
guard, the right, being the thrusting hand, 
will be brought up first. 

The Jab can be employed successfully in 
close quarter fighting in narrow trenches 
or when embraced by an enemy. 



METHODS OF INJURING AN 
OPPONENT 

It should be impressed upon the soldier 
that, although a man's point has missed, or 
has been parried or his bayonet has been 
broken, he can, as attacker, still maintain 
his advantage by injuring his opponent in 
one of the following ways : 

Butt Strike I. Swing the butt up at the 
opponent's crotch, ribs, forearm, etc., using 
a half arm blow and advancing the rear 
foot. 

This is essentially a half arm blow from 
the shoulder, keeping the elbow rigid. It 
can be executed only when the rifle is 
grasped at the small of the stock. 

Butt Strike II. If the opponent jumps 
back so that the first butt strike misses, the 
rifle will come into a horizontal position 
over the left shoulder, butt to the front. 
The attacker will then step in with the rear 
foot and dash the. butt into his opponent's 
face. 

Butt Strike III. If the opponent retires 
still further out of distance, the attacker 

200 



METHODS OF INJURING AN OPPONENT 201 

again closes up and slashes his bayonet 
down on his opponent's head or neck. 

Butt Strike IV. If the point is beaten 
or brought down, the butt can be used effec- 
tively by crashing it down on the opponent's 
head with an over-arm blow, advancing the 
rear foot. When the opponent is out of 
distance Butt Strike III can again be used. 

In individual fighting the butt can also 
be used horizontally against the opponent's 
ribs, forearm, etc. This method is im- 
possible in trench fighting or in an attack, 
owing to the horizontal sweep of the bay- 
onet to the attacker's left. 

The men must be impressed with the fact 
that the butt must never be used when it is 
possible to use the point of the bayonet 
effectively. 

Butt Strikes can be used only under cer- 
tain conditions and in certain positions. If 
the soldier acquires absolute control of his 
weapon under these conditions he will be 
able to adapt himself to all other phases of 
close in fighting. For example, when a man 
is gripped by an opponent, so that neither 
the point nor the butt can be used, the knee 
brought up against the crotch or the heel 



202 METHODS OF INJURING AN OPPONENT 

stamped on the instep may momentarily 
disable him and make him release his hold. 
When wrestling the opponent may be 
tripped by forcing his weight on to one leg 
and then kicking that leg from under him. 
These methods will only temporarily dis- 
able an enemy, who must be killed with the 
bayonet. 

Practice 

When the men have been shown the 
methods of using the butt and the knee, 
they should be practiced by affixing several 
discs on a dummy and executing combina- 
tion exercises at them. For example, point 
at one disc, use the knee on another fixed 
low down, jab at a third, etc. For practice 
with the Butt, light dummies should be used 
to prevent injury to the piece. 



TACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE 
BAYONET 

A bayonet assault should preferably be 
made under cover of fire, or darkness or as 
a surprise. Under these circumstances the 
prospect of success is greatest, for a bay- 
onet is useless at any range except in hand 
to hand fighting. 

The bayonet is essentially a weapon of 
offense to be used with skill and vigor. To 
await an opportunity for using the bayonet 
entails defeat. An approaching enemy will 
simply stand out of bayonet range and shoot 
down the defenders. 

In an assault the enemy should be killed 
with the bayonet. Firing should be avoided. 
A bullet passing through an opponent's 
body may kill a friend who happens to be 
in the line of fire. 

The Bayonet Assault 

Training in the final assault is conducted 
only after the soldier has received a thor- 
ough course of instruction in the prelimi- 
nary lessons and has acquired complete con- 

203 



204 APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET 

trol over his weapons. This training must 
approximate as nearly as possible the condi- 
tions of actual fighting. Instructors should 
endeavor by every means in their power to 
arouse the interest and imagination of the 
men. Each problem should be carefully ex- 
plained beforehand so that every man may 
have a complete knowledge of just exactly 
what is being attempted. Each target must 
be regarded as an armed opponent and each 
line of targets as an enemy line, attacking, 
defending or retiring, to be disposed of 
accordingly. 

Any tendency towards carelessness and 
slackness must be corrected at once and all 
the men must be impressed with the fact 
that a practice assault that is not carried 
out with quickness, vigor and determination 
is worse than useless.. 

Lack of imagination or lack of under- 
standing of what is being attempted, lead- 
ing to a violation of the principles of tactics 
in practice assaults against dummy targets, 
can only lead to disaster in a real assault 
against the enemy. 

Nervous tension, due to the anticipation 
of an attack, the advance across the open 
and the final dash at -the enemy all com- 



APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET 205 

bine to tire an assaulting party. It is only 
by their physical fitness and superior skill 
with the bayonet that they can overcome a 
comparatively fresh foe. 

Accuracy in directing the bayonet when 
moving rapidly or surmounting obstacles ; 
a thrust of sufficient force to penetrate 
clothing and equipment; a clean with- 
drawal, which requires no small effort, 
especially when the bayonet is fixed by a 
bone ; are all of the greatest importance. 

Method of Carrying the Rifle with 
Bayonet Fixed 

1. A quick, short advance. Carry the 
rifle at the position of "High Port." This 
position is suitable for close formations. It 
minimizes risks of accidents when sur- 
mounting obstacles. It can be maintained 
with the left hand alone, allowing a free 
use of the right when necessary. 

2. Long advance, in close formation. 
Carry the rifle slung over the left shoulder, 
barrel perpendicular, sling to the front. 
This allows the free use of both hands. 

3. Long advance, in open order. Carry 
the rifle at the "Trail." 



206 application of the bayonet 

Teamwork 

The importance of teamwork, discipline, 
and organized control throughout the con- 
duct of the bayonet assault cannot be too 
strongly impressed upon the men. In this, 
as well as in all other tactical operations, 
success can only be achieved through the 
closest cooperation of all concerned. While 
individual initiative is to be encouraged, it 
must be strictly subordinated to the will of 
the leader of the assaulting party. The 
failure of an enterprize can usually be 
traced to the lack of this close cooperation. 

The Advance 

1. All members of the attacking party 
must "go over the top," that is, leave the 
trench, or rise from cover simultaneously. 

2. The first stage, especially of a long 
advance, is slow and steady — not faster 
than the pace of the slowest man. 

Such an advance has a decided moral 
effect on the enemy. It will produce the 
maximum shock at the moment of impact. 
It allows the attacking force to reach its 
objective without undue exhaustion. On 
the other hand, if the assault is allowed to 



APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET 207 

develop without control and in a haphazard 
fashion, the moral effect of the steady ad- 
vance of a resistless wall of men is lost 
and the defenders will be given time to dis- 
pose of their opponents in detail. 

The Charge 

The actual charge will not be delivered 
over a greater distance than 20 paces. 
Within the last ten paces the piece will be 
brought to the position of guard. The 
alignment will be maintained as far as pos- 
sible until actual contact is gained. 

As soon as a position is carried and 
prior to any further advance or any other 
operation whatsoever, the line must be re- 
formed and every precaution taken against 
a counter attack. In Trench Warfare, the 
indiscriminate pursuit with the bayonet 
must never be permitted unless orders to 
that effect have been given by the leaders 
of the assaulting party. The attacking 
troops are not so fresh as the enemy and 
experience has shown that unorganized 
pursuit is exposed to ambuscades and ma- 
chine gun fire. In most cases the work of 
immediate pursuit is better accomplished 
by the supporting artillery assisted by the 



208 APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET 

rapid fire of the infantry on the retreating 
enemy. 

Assault Practice 

Throughout the period of training the 
men, the men should be constantly practiced 
in: 

1. The recognized method of carrying 
the rifle with the bayonet fixed. 

2. The rapid advance out of deep 
trenches. 

3. Teamwork and control of advancing 
line. Fire discipline, direction and control. 

4. The art of using the bayonet with 
effect in the cramped space of communica- 
tion and fire trenches. 

5. Reforming and opening fire after an 
assault. 

6. Acting as leaders of an attacking 
party. 



FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 

One of the best methods of training a 
command in the final assault is to construct 
a section of trench, forming a course, over 
which the training may be conducted. The 
edges of the trenches should be protected 
by logs anchored back in the parapets or 
solid ground. Constant use will soon wear 
them down if this precaution is not taken. 
Cinders placed on the course are a great 
advantage, for they prevent the men from 
slipping. 

When dummy targets are laid on the 
ground or on parapets, care should be taken 
to see that the earth under them is free 
from stones, otherwise bayonets will be in- 
jured when the thrust penetrates clear 
through the dummy and into the ground. 

For this practice work it will be well to 
select the bayonets of the company that 
are most worn and use them exclusively. 

Most interesting and practical problems 
in the tactics of trench warfare can be 
solved by combining the assault practice 
with other forms of training such as the 
operations of grenadier squads in clearing 

209 



210 FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 

fire trenches and communication trenches; 
throwing hand grenades, to cover the as- 
sault; barricading with sandbags and the 
construction of trenches. 

The illustration herein shows a type of 
Final Assault Practice course, that may be 
prepared with a minimum expenditure of 
labor and material. It occupies a space of 
about 100 feet in width and may be of vary- 
ing depth according to the elements that it 
is desired to introduce. A platoon of four 
squads with the squad leaders taken out of 
the line and placed in rear to direct their 
squads, may be run over the course with 
safety after the men have had sufficient 
preliminary training. The elements of this 
course are: 

1. A line of traversed type of fire trench. 
There being four bays, 18 feet long with 
6 foot traverses. This trench is the simple 
type of standing trench shown in the 
profile. 

2. A supervision trench located parallel 
to and about 50 feet in rear of the fire 
trench. Profile shown. 

3. Communication zigzags from the su- 
pervision trench to the fire trench. 



FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 211 

4. Two communication zigzags of three 
legs each running to the rear from the 
supervision trench. 

5. The location of squad dugouts in rear 
of the bays of the fire trench and platoon 
dugouts just in rear of the supervision 
trench are indicated. It is not necessary 
for the purposes to excavate these. The 
location of the entrances in the trenches 
should be indicated. 

The starting line is 40 feet in front of 
the traversed fire trench. This may be a 
deep trench or merely a line as desired. 
The trench gives good practice for the men 
in getting out of a fire trench, quickly and 
forming a line beyond. The whole system 
of trenches should be constructed on ground 
that can be easily drained. 

Accessories 

1. Portable gallows for the suspension 
of from one to four targets are constructed 
and located at such points as may be desired 
in the area between the fire trench and the 
supervision trench and that to the rear of 
the latter. 



212 FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 




Gaf/owS With Dummy. 



2. Shell craters may be excavated in the 
open spaces mentioned above in which 
dummy targets may be placed. 

3. Portable Turk's Head may be con- 
structed and placed at such points as may 
be desired in the trenches or in the open 
spaces above ground. 

4. Dummy targets may be placed where- 
ever desired. 



FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 



213 



^ 






m#?r0b>- 



TURK'S HERD 



214 FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 




FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 



215 




Tyjaes of Uu/hm/eS 



Targets 

Target A. Consists of a portable gal- 
lows having one dummy target. 

Target B. Consists of a portable gal- 
lows having two or more dummy targets. 

Target C. Consists of a portable gal- 
lows the same as Target A, having a dummy 
target with the stick protruding to the front 
to represent the opponent's bayonet. 

Target D. Consists of a dummy target 
to lie on the ground or rest against the side 
wall of the trench. 

Target E. Is a Turk's Head. 



216 



FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 



Construction of Gallows 

The gallows for targets A, B, and C is 
constructed as shown in the plate. Two 
standards are made as indicated and joined 
together by pieces of 2x4 of the desired 
length at A and B. For Target A this 
length should be about 6 feet; for Target 
B at least 5 feet should be allowed for each 
dummy. Where more than two targets are 
hung the top cross piece had better be a 
4x4 instead of a 2x4. 




final assault practice 217 

Construction of Dummies 

The dummy may consist of a gunny sack 
filled with straw and packed tightly. It 
may be an old uniform stuffed with straw. 
A more elaborate form that tends to hold 
the bayonet when it is thrust into it may 
be made as follows: 

1. Split a sack along the side and across 
the end forming a manta. Lay it on the 
ground. 

2. Place a layer of straw about 20 inches 
wide and nearly the length of the sack, 
allowing a few inches at the top and bottom 
for folding over. Now place a layer of 
good stiff sod on the straw. Follow this 
with another layer of straw. Follow this 
of sod and straw until the dummy is 8 or 
10 inches thick. Then put a one-quarter 
board with the grain up and down on top 
of the whole. 

3. Fold in the sides and top tight and sew 
them together with a strong twine and a 
baling needle. 

4. Run a strong rope around the outside 
edges, turning it at each corner to make a 
loop by which the dummy may be har 

to the gallows. 



218 FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 

For those dummies that are to sit on the 
ground a piece of 2-inch plank placed 
across the bottom before the sacking is 
folded and sewed will form a good base. 
On these the rope will be omitted. 

Construction of "Turk's Head" 

On the end of a pole about six feet long 
place a ball of straw about 9 inches in 
diameter, packed tightly in gunny sacking. 
Sharpen the other end of the pole so that 
it may be stuck in the ground. 

Construction of Parrying Dummy 
Target 

Take one of the ordinary dummies. Put 
a Turk's Head on a stick about 4 feet long 
and nail some canvas or gunny sacking to 
the other end so that 'the edges will spread 
out. Sew the canvas to a point on the 
dummy about two- thirds of the way down 
the front and suspend it from the top with 
strong ropes attached to the upper corners 
of the dummy. 

Discs on Target 
With a view to attaining accuracy in the 



FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE 219 

points, cardboard discs about 3 inches in 
diameter should be placed on the front of 
the dummies. The soldier should not mere- 
ly try to hit the dummy with his bayonet, 
but he should endeavor to make hits on 
the discs. 



I 


- 


\ 




£*Vij 




II 


IS 





EACH DUMMY MUST BE REGARDED AS AN 
ACTUAL ARMED OPPONENT 



EXERCISES 

The exercises that may be devised with 
this equipment are of an infinite variety, 
ranging from' practice runs of one man to 
each bay of the trench, merely going into 
and out of the trenches, to an entire squad 
assaulting each bay with targets placed all 
along the course. 

The following are suggested exercises^ 

Exercise 1 

Number of men to make the run : Four, 
one at each bay. 

Targets: No. 1. One Target D, half ex- 
posed on parapet at the left corner of Bay 
4 to represent a man firing over the parapet. 

No. 2. One Target D, resting against 
the rear wall of the fire trench of Bay 4, 
at the opening of the dugout, to represent a 
man just emerging from the squad dugout. 

No. 3. One Target A, midway between 
the fire trench and the supervision trench. 

No. 4. One Target E, in supervision 
trench. 

221 



222 EXERCISES 

No. 5. One Target D, in supervision 
trench at the entrance to the communication 
trench. 

No. 6. One Target D, on .the ground to 
the rear of the supervision trench. Note. 
Targets for the man making the run against 
Bay 4 are stated. Those for the other men 
making the run are similarly located. 

The Run 

• 

The method of making the run will be 
explained for the man making the run at 
Bay 4. The other men proceed in a similar 
manner. 

Being in the prone position at the start- 
ing point the soldier rises quickly to his 
feet and advances at the double time (not 
running) towards Target No. 1, the piece 
being carried at the "High Port." When 
within about 8 paces of Target No. 1 the 
piece is brought to the position of guard 
and when at the proper distance the target 
is attacked with a vigorous "Long Point." 
This is followed by a clean withdrawal. 

The soldier then jumps into the fire 
trench and attacks Target No. 2 or attacks 
from over the fire trench as is desired. He 



EXERCISES 223 

then climbs out of the fire trench and con- 
tinues his advance attacking Target No. 3 
with a Long Point; No. 4 with a Long 
Point ; No. 5 with a Short Point and No. 6 
with a Long Point, each being followed by 
a clean withdrawal of the bayonet. 

Exercise 2 

Number of men to make run: Two 
squads, one at Bays 1 and 2, and the other 
at Bays 3 and 4. 

Targets: The targets are given only for 
the four men making the run against Bay 4. 
Those for the other three bays are similarly 
arranged. 

No. 1. Four Targets D, half exposed 
on parapet of bay to represent men firing 
over the parapet. 

No. 2. Four Targets D, lying on ground 
or in shell crater a few feet in rear of the 
bay. 

No. 3. Four Targets A or C, in the 
open area about midway between the fire 
trench and the supervision trench. 

No. 4. Four Targets D in the bottom 
of the supervision trench. 



224 EXERCISES 

No. 5. Four Targets E, a few yards in 
rear of the supervision trench. 

The run is conducted in the same manner 
as explained for Exercise 1. Additional 
precautions will have to be taken to prevent 
the men from injuring one another with 
their bayonets. 

The line attacks Target No. 1. The men 
jump over the fire trench landing on the 
parados and immediately attack Target 
No. 2. The line passes on towards Target 
No. 3, jumping all trenches encountered 
and attack Target No. 3 with a parry and 
a point if Target C is used and with a point 
if Target A is used. The line then goes 
into the supervision trench and attacks 
Target No. 4, climbing out immediately and 
advancing on Target No. 5 which is at- 
tacked by a "Jab." 



In order to save time a second line may 
be started from the starting line when the 
first has passed beyond the fire trench and 
towards the supervision trench. 

After the men have been taken through 
a thorough course of training in the in- 
dividual instruction, problems should be 
devised in which a squad assaults a section 



EXERCISES 225 

of the trench system under the direction of 
the squad leader. This is followed by exer- 
cises conducted by the platoon leader, the 
strength of the platoon being as many 
squads as can be employed at one time on 
the front of the section of trench system 
available. 



EDWIN N. APPLETON 

PUBLISHER OF 

MILITARY BOOKS 

1 Broadway, New York 

Eastern Distributers for 
"THE MOSS PUBLICATIONS" 

(Colonel Jas. A. Moss) 

COLONEL M. B. STEWART 
"THE BANTA PUBLICATIONS" 

and 

COLONEL W. H. WALDRON 



Any Military or Naval Book desired 



"What Sammy's Doing" 

BY 

Colonel JAMES A. MOSS 
Colonel WILLIAM H. WALDRON 

United States Army 



Being a Pictorial Sketch of the Soldier's Life 



The mission of this book is to tell and 
show the folks back home what you, Jack, 
their boy, are doing at the big training 
camps throughout the country. 

Telling them in a simple text that 
they can readily understand, and by 
pictures true to life what you are doing 
this morning, this afternoon, this evening 

Order Your Copy To-day 

Price 75 Cents, postage paid 

FOR SALE BY 

EDWIN N. APPLETON 

No. 1 Broadway, New York City 



THE WALDRON BOOKS 

The Infantry Soldier's 
Hand Book 

An illustrated text-book covering the training 
of the Infantry soldier for war. Every soldier in 
the army should have a copy. Postpaid, $1.00. 



Company Administration 

A reference book that no Company Commander, 
First Sergeant or Company Clerk can afford to 
be without. 

The most complete and practical treatment of 
the subject that has been produced. Postpaid, 
$1.25. 



FOR SALE BY 

EDWIN N. APPLETON 
Broadway New York 



THE WALDRON BOOKS 

Scouting and Patrolling 

Cloth Bound. Fits the Pocket. 

WHAT TO DO— HOW TO DO IT 
Covers the duties of the individual scout and 
the operation of the Patrol in "No Man's Land." 
Postpaid, 50c. 



Tactical Walks 

A system of instruction for Officers and Non- 
commissioned Officers for the duties that will de- 
volve upon them in actual service. 

No glittering generalities — a book of detail — 
just what to do, written so you can understand 
it. Postpaid, $1.50. 



Elements of Trench Warfare 

Including Bayonet Training 
Cloth (Bound Fits the Pocket 

Compiled from the latest information of how 
they are going about it on the Western front. 
Profusely illustrated. Postpaid, 75c. 



FOR SALE BY 

EDWIN N. APPLETON 
Broadway New York 



Military Sketching 
and Map Reading 

BY 

JOHN B. BARNES 

Major Fifth U. S. Infantry, Graduate of Army Service 

School, Graduate of Army Staff College, Instructor 

Plattsburg Instruction Camp, 1916, Instructor 

Plattsburg Officers' Training Camp, 1917 

Major Barnes' book is based on an expert 
knowledge of the subject as taught by the Service 
Schools, Fort Leavenworth, and an appreciation 
of the needs of beginners through his wide ex- 
perience as an instructor of National Guard Offi- 
cers, and at Officers' Training Camps. 

Written with a view of self-instruction, with 
new and original illustrations that explain simply 
and graphically the pdints that are usually found 
troublesome by beginners. 

The new and important subject of Landscape 
Sketching is thoroughly explained and illustrated. 

Map Reading is explained in a few pages. 
Scales are already constructed. Postpaid, 75c. 

EDWIN N. APPLETON 
1 Broadway, New York 



EDWIN N. APPLETON 

Military Text Books Exclusively 

WHOLESALE— RETAIL 

NO. 1 BROADWAY 
NEW YORK CITY 



EASTERN DISTRIBUTER 
for 

COLONEL JAS. A. MOSS 
LT.-COLONEL MERCH B. STEWART 
LT.-COLONEL WILLIAM H. WALDRON 
LT.-COLONEL FRANK H. LAWTON 
LT.-COLONEL D. T. MERRILL 
MAJOR RALPH M. PARKER 
MAJOR LINCOLN C. ANDREWS 
MAJOR O. O. ELLIS 
MAJOR E. B. GAREY 
MAJOR JOHN B. BARNES 



Any Military Publication not listed herein 
will gladly be obtained for you. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 







003 514 030 A 






